Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
A barn owl was trapped in netting on the roof of a building in the Garkheda area for nearly three hours on Thursday. Continuous flapping had exhausted the bird. Abhijeet Agrawal carefully used a stick to free the owl, taking care while removing the netting from its feet and wings. However, the bird had injuries to its legs and wings due to the net, and prolonged entrapment and struggling had lowered its calcium levels, leaving it weak.
The owl was then handed over to bird enthusiast Dr Kishor Pathak, who provided immediate medical care, calcium supplements, and small pieces of chicken for feeding. With proper treatment and rest, the owl gradually recovered. On Saturday, the barn owl was safely released back into the same area. This incident highlights the growing problem of city waste. Open garbage increases rodents and frogs, which barn owls prey on, helping maintain environmental balance. Owls act as natural protectors against diseases like plague and leptospirosis caused by rodents. Authorities urged that all wildlife, including owls, be protected without falling prey to superstition.