Duluth, Minnesota — On a remarkable day filled with unexpected challenges and heartwarming moments, Annabell Whelan, a guest experience manager at the Lake Superior Zoo, showcased her compassion and quick thinking by rescuing two injured owls within hours of each other. The rescues, which lit up social media, included a snowy owl trapped in the grill of a car and a great gray owl found injured on the ground.
Whelan's day began with her outing to the Bentleyville lights, enjoying the festive spirit. While trying to navigate the Bayfront parking lot, she noticed something unusual and instinctively hurried over to investigate. She discovered the snowy owl, later named Nowl, hopelessly caught. "I immediately beelined it toward the car," Whelan recalled, fully aware of the urgency. The car's owner had already sought help from local authorities, she noted, but the Wildwoods Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, where the birds needed care, was closed for the night.
Earlier the same day, Whelan had encountered the first owl – the great gray owl – along Highway 61 north of Two Harbors. She had called Wildwoods to gain instructions for safely capturing the injured bird. Her careful approach paid off, as she was able to gently scoop it up using a blanket and placed it calmly inside her car. This owl was later transported to the University of Minnesota's Raptor Center for continued care.
"I could tell he was having a hard time with one of his eyes," Whelan shared. The young woman’s sensitive nature shone through as she took her time to offer comfort to the great gray owl before its trip to the rehabilitation facility. The experience only appeared to deepen her resolve as she prepared to aid the second owl, which proved to be more of a challenge.
Whelan admitted, "I definitely thought I had had my fix of owls with the first one," but little did she know, her efforts were about to be tested again with the snowy owl rescue. Once she reached the vehicle where Nowl was trapped, she faced the added difficulty of the injured owl being "obviously in shock". With Wildwoods closed and no immediate assistance available, Whelan gently began to free the hurt bird from the car. "I had to move some of the broken pieces of the grill out of the way,” she explained. After some careful maneuvering, she successfully removed Nowl, wrapping her gently and placing her inside a crate for the night.
To make her more comfortable, Whelan set up a space at home away from her cousin's pets. "I tried to prepare myself just in case I woke up and she didn't make it through the night," she said. Only hours after rescuing the snowy owl, Whelan experienced overwhelming relief when she saw Nowl awake and alert the following morning. "I never think I've ever been so excited," she said, recalling the moment with tears of joy.
Despite her efforts, the news for the snowy owl was not what Whelan had hoped for. While Nowl sustained multiple injuries, including trauma to internal organs and broken wings, Wildwoods released updates sharing the heartbreaking news of her euthanasia due to severe trauma. “Because the injuries could not be fixed and the bird would be unable to fly again, the kindest option available for this majestic wild bird was a peaceful passing via euthanasia,” they reported.
Conversely, the situation for the great gray owl is more optimistic. According to Wildwoods, the owl remains hospitalized at the Raptor Center, showing signs of recovery from broken bones and soft tissue damage. "These injuries are severe, and the veterinarians at the Raptor Center are doing everything they can to give this bird a chance at recovery," stated the rescue organization.
Whelan reflected on the dual outcomes, expressing gratitude for the lives touched by her efforts. She wrote on Facebook, "Not the outcome I was hoping for but still glad she was give a chance — great gray is still pushing through though." The remarkable events surrounding Whelan's rescues not only showcased her kindness and dedication but also inspired generous donations to Wildwoods Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, totaling around $3,000 since Christmas Eve.
The community has rallied behind Whelan and her heartfelt efforts, reminding everyone of the importance of awareness and quick action when it involves injured wildlife. An official from Wildwoods urged individuals to slow down, remain cautious, and immediately contact professionals if they spot injured animals, emphasizing the delicate nature of wildlife and its need for care and respect.
Annabell Whelan's actions illuminated the impact one person can have when they choose to stand up for those who cannot help themselves. Her swift rescue of the two owls may have ended with solemn news for one bird, yet it sparked hope and healing for another, embodying the spirit of compassion and kindness.
