BRANDON, Fla. — The great horned owl that was found safe after escaping its enclosure during Hurricane Debby died unexpectedly overnight on Thursday, the Raptor Center of Tampa Bay said in a Facebook post.
"Charlie the Owl" was reportedly scheduled to have a blood transfusion Thursday morning before passing away. Now, rescuers at the center are taking the time to remember Charlie as "a very special bird."
The great horned owl had been missing for two weeks before he was found near a home in Brandon.
"If we had been able to find him after the first sighting I know we could’ve saved him," staff said on Facebook.
Another volunteer shared that Charlie did something that she never thought could be done.
"Charlie taught thousands about helping wildlife," the volunteer stated. "He got people speaking who never spoke before, enemies sharing a common bond and goal. He touched so many lives."
While rescuers mourn the loss of Charlie, they added in a separate Facebook post that the search for the great horned owl helped them save three other owls. Staff said those birds would most likely not have been found if people were not out looking for Charlie.
Two of the rescued birds have fractures on their wing. The third bird will visit the vet a little later this Friday.
Staff at the Raptor Center say residents who see an injured bird should call wildlife rehab or their local animal groups right away.
"Fly high, Charlie. You will forever be in our hearts," staff stated on Facebook.