A Tasmanian Boobook owl named Glucifer is back in the wild after being rescued from a sticky glue trap.
The small owl was reported to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary’s 24/7 rescue service after becoming stuck in adhesive designed to catch insects and rodents.
The sanctuary’s veterinary team had to use a general anaesthetic to carefully free Glucifer from the glue before giving him a warm bath to remove any residue from his feathers.
According to the sanctuary, animals that hunt flying insects or rodents can easily get caught in glue traps while chasing their prey.
Once they make contact, the adhesive makes it almost impossible for them to get free and they often injure themselves trying to escape.
The rescue came during what Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary calls “Owl Season” – a time around June when injured owls, particularly Tasmanian Boobooks, often need help.
The sanctuary says shorter days and longer nights at this time of year mean these nocturnal birds are more active when people are too.
While struggling against the trap, Glucifer suffered bruising across his chest and wing but avoided any fractures.
After a short recovery at the sanctuary, where staff kept a close eye on his ability to fly normally, he was given the all-clear for release.
Bonorong said animals freed from glue traps are often left with sticky residue that can stop them moving properly, which is why expert care is so important.
The sanctuary has already rehabilitated several Tasmanian Boobooks this year and returned them safely to the wild.
