Hootie the Great Horned Owl Nears Release After Rescue Journey

A baby great horned owl named Hootie is recovering and expected to be released back into the wild in the coming weeks after being rescued from a lavender farm in Tularosa. Found by Cressie Drummond, Hootie was initially cared for by Hilary Floren's family before being transferred to the El Paso Zoo, where he received treatment for a significant infection. Under the care of Dr. Vikki Milne, Hootie nearly doubled in size during his two-week stay at the zoo. He is currently at Gila Wildlife Rescue in Silver City, New Mexico, where he is learning self-sufficiency. The Millers, who run the rescue, have dedicated their lives to saving wildlife and are preparing for Hootie's return to his natural habitat.

Key Details: • Hootie will be released back onto the lavender farm in Tularosa in the coming weeks. • He was treated for a significant infection at the El Paso Zoo before moving to Gila Wildlife Rescue. • Gila Wildlife Rescue has saved around 12,000 animals over 47 years, focusing on orphaned wildlife.