An entangled perch

Rescue - 14th August
Rehabilitation - 15th August
Release - 27th August

Rescue

Just as we’ve pleaded for change with football netting, we must do the same with discarded fishing line.

This beautiful tawny owl simply wanted to perch in a tree. But instead of a safe resting spot, he found himself ensnared—fishing line wrapped tightly around his left wing, leaving him helpless.

Thankfully, help was on the way. Our friends at the RSPCA took the call, and with assistance from the Environment Agency and their boat, ARO Sam was able to reach the owl and carefully bring him to safety.

Rehabilitation

Back at our hospital, the owl’s feisty spirit shone through—understandably grumpy, but very much alive. Our vet team carried out a full assessment, checking for damage to his wing and watching closely for signs of ligature wounds. For now, he has been lucky. The line hasn’t yet cut deep into his skin, but we’ll be keeping a very close eye as he continues his recovery.

This story could so easily have ended in tragedy. Discarded fishing line is a silent killer. To wildlife, it’s invisible until it’s too late, causing entanglements, injuries, and far too often, fatalities.

The solution, however, is simple: take fishing line home, dispose of it responsibly, or use the dedicated recycling points available. What takes just a few seconds for us can mean the difference between life and death for our wild neighbours.

Release

For this tawny owl, rescue has given him another chance. With time and care, we hope to see him back under the night sky where he belongs—free to fly, hunt, and thrive.

We need your help

Any help you give can make a huge difference and keep us saving wildlife.

When you donate you help towards the costs of looking after all the animals here at the hospital.

When you adopt an animal you help towards the costs of looking after all the animals of your chosen species here at the hospital.

How your donation could help

£10

donation

Could provide medicine for a sick animal

£25

donation

Could provide worming treatment for hedgehogs and other small mammals

£50

donation

Could help rear an orphaned hedgehog

£100

donation

Could help us treat and care for an injured badger