He flew right into the organ 😳
In 2022, a WIRES Wildlife Rescue coordinator received an unusual call about a wild animal roosting high in the ornate rafters of St. Carthage’s Cathedral in New South Wales, Australia. The unexpected visitor was a young barn owl that had wandered inside during mass.
“The congregation noticed the juvenile owl only because it began flying when the organ played during a service, much to the delight of the children,” a WIRES spokesperson shared with The Dodo.
The rescue was particularly urgent since barn owls are listed as a “vulnerable” species in New South Wales. WIRES volunteers teamed up with cathedral staff, initially trying to coax the owl out by leaving food near an open door with the lights off at night. Despite their efforts, the cautious owl remained.
After ten days, a new approach was needed. When a parishioner spotted the owl peeking out from an opening at the base of a large organ, rescuers saw their opportunity. Standing by the organ pipes, WIRES rescuers carefully reached in, gently guiding the owl to safety.
Following a short period of rehabilitation, the owl was ready to be released. After ten days of rest, the rescuers brought him back to his natural habitat, where he was set free, to the joy of everyone involved.
“The parishioners’ prayers were answered!” the WIRES representative remarked.