A mammoth rescue mission was launched after shocked homeowners spotted a pair of bird feet sticking out their wood burning stove. The Scottish SPCA were called to the address in Hazlehead, Aberdeen, on October 10 after the worried residents feared a hawk had become stuck inside their chimney.
But after attempts to pull the bird free were unsuccessful, rescuers realised it was actually a large tawny owl who was too big to be pulled out of the in-tact burner. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service soon arrived to help with the unusual rescue mission but were also unable to get the owl unstuck.
Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer, Lynn Cruickshank, said, “This was quite a tricky rescue and when I first arrived all I could see were the bird’s feet and some feathers sticking out of the wood burner. I managed to get hold of the bird and get them out of the flue but I couldn’t get them past the damper at the top of the stove.
“I then realised the bird was a tawny owl and too big to fit. With the member of the public’s permission and the help of their friend, we started to take parts off the stove to see if we could free the owl.
“Unfortunately after a while we were still really struggling so I called the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for assistance. They attended but also struggled to find a way to free the bird.
“Eventually it was agreed that we could break the seal around the stove and flue and remove the stove to free the owl. We’re so grateful to the member of the public for being so understanding and helpful.
“It was also fantastic to have assistance from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to allow us to complete the rescue successfully.’
She added: “Thankfully the owl was unharmed from their adventure. The bird was checked over and given some food and water. They were then released back into the wild none the worse for wear.
“If anyone finds an injured animal, or an animal in distress, please don’t hesitate to contact our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
Watch commander Dennis Chalmers, based at North Anderson Drive Community Fire Station in Aberdeen, said: "We were pleased to be able to help this magnificent bird and it's great to know that it's now back in the wild.
"As a humanitarian organisation our highly skilled crews answer a wide range of calls to help animals in distress across the country, often working with partners such as the Scottish SPCA.
"Our support can prevent members of the public putting themselves in danger by attempting to do their own rescue."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .
