The lost barn owl managed to collapse on a boat taking part in the RORC Round Britain and Ireland Race
Credit: British Army
NEED TO KNOW
- A barn owl stranded 70 miles from shore was rescued by British Army members competing in a boat race
- The owl, named Little Reg, was emaciated and weak and is now receiving care at an RSPCA wildlife center in England
- Experts believe the owl accidentally roosted on a fishing vessel that went to sea
A barn owl that ended up struggling and alone 70 miles from shore in ocean water near the U.K. found a welcoming oasis during its journey.
According to the BBC, the bird — whose preferred landscapes are grasslands, deserts, and farmlands — flung itself onto a boat filled with British Army members competing in the 50th Anniversary RORC Round Britain and Ireland Race. Before the bird collapsed on the boat, the army members spotted it falling into the sea several times.
The men on the boat looked after the owl for a day while they raced to circumnavigate Ireland and Great Britain. Army members were then met by a lifeboat that took the bird back to land for veterinary care.
“It’s been a tough 24 hours for him; it’s not the most comfortable boat to be on, but he’s doing well, and hopefully he gets the help he needs now,” Mark Petherbridge, a member of the Army Offshore Racing Team, told the BBC.
Before handing off the barn owl, the men on the boat named the bird “Little Reg” and celebrated the animal for its “will and tenacity to survive”.
Credit: British Army
Little Reg’s trip back to land was made possible in part by James Stannard, a conservation officer for the Barn Owl Trust, who put together the resources to help the bird after receiving a call about the stranded owl. With little to eat aboard the racing boat, it is likely Little Reg would’ve perished without the trip on the lifeboat, according to Stannard.
The conservation officer also told the BBC that he believes the owl unknowingly roosted on a docked fishing vessel that later went out to sea, leaving the bird stuck in open ocean. He added it was “nothing short of a miracle” that the bird managed to find a ship to help it.
Credit: RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre
Once Little Reg reached land, the owl was transferred to the RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre in King’s Lynn, England, for care.
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The center posted an Aug 21 update regarding the owl to Facebook.
Credit: RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre
“The owl is sadly very emaciated and weak, but is now receiving fluids, nutrition, warmth and plenty of rest. We are doing our best to help it,” the center wrote about the care provided so far.
The facility also asked followers to donate items to help with the owl’s recovery, including heavy-duty cat beds.
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