‘Biggest relief imaginable’: Eugene wildlife center’s owl found after storm damage
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — When keepers at Eugene’s Cascades Raptor Center arrived onsite Tuesday morning after the winter storm swept through the area, they became immediately concerned when a Great Horned Owl named Lorax was missing from her damaged enclosure.
Keepers, including Lorax’s trainer Carrie Lorenz, recounted how they all immediately went into “action mode,” removing tree debris and making sure the bird wasn’t trapped under the rubble.
They feared the worst for Lorax, who serves as an ambassador for the center. But soon enough, something gave them hope.
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“As we were heading back with our axes to clear the tree, we were calling out for her just in case. All of a sudden we heard her calling back to us,” said Lorenz. “We ran up the hill towards her call, and there she was: perched in a tree near another aviary. It was the biggest relief imaginable…I put out my glove and she flew right down to it, which was the best feeling in the world.”
Lorenz continued, “As trainers, we spend a lot of time developing a strong relationship between us and the birds we work with. I’m so glad our relationship with Lorax was strong enough that she trusted me, and flew right down to the glove even after that traumatic experience.”
Even with Lorax safe and sound, her enclosure is just one of the many damaged areas at the center due to the severe winter weather conditions. The center says fallen trees and electrical issues have made the it dangerous for visitors, forcing a closure that may last weeks. They add repairs are expected to cost over $30,000, so they have created an emergency fund to which patrons can contribute.
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