MONROE, Conn. — Animal Control Officer Gina Gambino responded to the report of an injured barred owl found on the side of Cutlers Farm Road, apparently after being hit by a car, on Nov. 24. She brought the bird to Christine’s Critters, a nonprofit specializing in rescuing, rehabilitating and educating the public about injured birds of prey and reptiles.
Christine Peyreigne, who runs the organization with her mother, Betsy, and husband, Chris DeGrazia, treated the owl for an injury to its eye and got it eating again.
On Thursday afternoon, they met with Gambino behind the United Methodist Church of Monroe on Cutlers Farm Road to release the healthy owl back into the wild. Peyreigne and Gambino said it’s important for barred owls to be in their native habitats.
Gambino opened the door of the pet carrier, which faced the woods, and tapped on the back. The owl was hesitant at first, before taking flight into the late afternoon sky. It soon stopped to perch on a tree branch, before it feeling comfortable enough to fly higher.
A small crowd cheered the bird on. Among the spectators were representatives of Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates, a group of citizen volunteers who raise public awareness regarding the statistical connection between animal abuse and domestic and social violence.
Kathy Radziunas, of Desmond’s Army, shared some photos from Thursday:
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