Two months ago, Animal Rahat received a call about a hatchling who had been found lying near a warehouse that was closed for the season.

The baby bird was alone, his parents nowhere to be found. The scout who found him brought him to the Animal Rahat office for a thorough exam, which determined that he was a spotted owlet. Although healthy, he was very young and required around-the-clock care, including handfeeding.

A volunteer couple—friends of Animal Rahat—took in the baby and cared for him for six weeks as though he were a member of their family. The little owlet thrived. Once he reached the fledgling stage and was able to feed himself, it was time to find his parents.

Under the direction of an ornithologist, the team brought the youngster to the warehouse where he’d been found and played audio recordings of his vocalizations. Soon, two adult owls responded with calls, although they didn’t make physical contact with the owlet.

So the next night, team members returned along with the owlet and an artificial nest. With the fire department’s help, they placed the nest and the bird up high, about 30 feet above ground.

The next day when the team returned, the owlet and his parents were together, perched on a warehouse rafter, reunited at last!