Rockefeller Christmas tree owl released after $15,000 raised for sanctuary who looked after her
'She is a tough little bird and we're happy to see her back in her natural habitat,' cenre says
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The owl that was found hidden in the Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree has been released into the wild, after $15,000 (£11,202) was raised for the wildlife sanctuary that cared for the creature.
Rockefeller or “Rocky”, as the owl was nicknamed, was released on Tuesday after a week in rehabilitation at Ravensbeard Wildlife Center, some 90 miles north of Rockefeller Plaza, in upstate New York.
The wildlife sanctuary wrote on Facebook that “Rocky's release was a success!”, and thanked those who had shared their support throughout the week.
“She is a tough little bird and we're happy to see her back in her natural habitat,” the centre added. "We are sure that Rocky will feel your love and support through her journey south."
Since the centre took the creature into care, some $15,000 (£11,202) has been donated to Ravensbeard, which was forced to relocate five years ago, said the centre’s director, Ellen Kalish.
“Ravensbeard Wildlife Center has been a refuge for injured and orphaned wildlife for over 20 years. However, five years ago the centre was forced to relocate. And since then has been set up as a temporary rehab shelter,” wrote Ms Kalish on the donation page.
She added that, as well as Rocky, “this year we took in over 150 birds – way beyond our capacity.”
Rocky, a small Saw-whet owl, was taken-in by Ravensbeard after workers discovered her inside this year’s Rockefeller Christmas tree.
Thought to be male at first, the tiny owl had travelled around 170 miles in the Norwegian spruce, which had been cut down roughly 80 miles southwest of Albany, in Oneonta.
She soon received a large online following, with fans flocking to the Ravensbeard Wildlife Center’s page on Facebook, and posting about the owl on social media.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments