Multi-Agency Response Rescues Barn Owl

By Hope Bidegainberry on July 23, 2019

A multi-agency response from the Foster City Police Department and the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) yesterday resulted in a rescue of a barn owl that had been stranded under a bridge in Foster City for two days.  The bridge was located at 900 Foster City Blvd in Foster City.

“A kind-hearted Foster City resident named Ross Sakata noticed a barn owl who was in the same place for two days under a bridge in Foster City and seemed unable to fly. Sakata called the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA and the Foster City Police Department for help,” said PHS/SPCA Communications Manager Buffy Martin Tarbox.  “The owl was in the water and only accessible by boat. Thanks to a quick thinking Foster City Police Officer, she contacted someone who was willing to donate his time and boat to venture into the water to save the bird.”

The owl was carefully captured by net, brought to shore and was transported to PHS/SPCA Wildlife Care Center in Burlingame for examination and treatment.  The bird was found to be dehydrated, exhausted and slightly hypothermic.  PHS/SPCA staff provided the bird with fluids and placed him in an incubator to help boost his body temperature.  The owl’s condition has improved since yesterday and PHS/SPCA will continue to monitor and treat him.

“We are grateful for everyone involved with the effort in saving this owl,” according to Tarbox. “The Foster City police officer who assisted with the rescue informed us she loves owls so much she even has a tattoo of an owl.  What a lovely moment of serendipity!”

PHS/SPCA’s Wildlife Care Center successfully rehabilitates 1,200 to 1,400 wild animals each year.