Two owls were rescued from a street photography site in central Moscow, according to the press service of the Moscow Municipal Economic Complex. The birds were taken from a public area where photographers did not possess proper documents for the birds or the circumstances of their capture were unclear. The incident prompted officials to intervene and ensure the owls’ safety while authorities sorted out their legal status and care requirements.
The rescued birds include a long-eared owl and a short-eared owl. The refuge near Maroseyka Street, specifically around house 9/2, became the focal point of the rescue operation. The statement from the municipal agency noted that the situation involved photographers who could not provide the necessary documentation for the birds, which raised concerns about the birds’ welfare and regulatory compliance. The event underscores the ongoing vigilance by city services to protect wildlife amid urban activity and to prevent potential harm to species that require special protection.
In terms of conservation status, officials highlighted that the long-eared owl is categorized as a vulnerable species in Moscow, reflecting its placement in a higher risk tier within the Red Book. The short-eared swamp owl was described as belonging to a category that indicates a figure of concern, sometimes labeled as possibly extinct. These classifications underscore the importance of monitoring and safeguarding species that are sensitive to habitat changes and human disturbance in densely populated areas.
Following the rescue, the birds were transferred to a facility prepared to provide the appropriate medical care, nutrition, and behavioral rehabilitation. The Wild Animal Rehabilitation Center, operated by the Nature Management and Environmental Protection Department, received the owls for ongoing observation and treatment. Staff at the center are expected to assess each bird’s health, address any injuries sustained during capture or transport, and implement a care plan designed to promote recovery and eventual release back into suitable, safe habitats when feasible.
The Moscow Municipal Economic Complex emphasized that the welfare of urban wildlife remains a priority. The organization stressed that proper documentation and responsible handling are essential when human activities intersect with protected species. The rescue actions reflect a broader commitment to enforcing wildlife protection rules and supporting recovery programs that aim to preserve biodiversity within the city’s borders.
This event follows a prior incident in which a resident of central Moscow reported an owl that had been attacked by crows and became entangled in roof antenna wires. Rescuers responded to that situation as well, demonstrating a pattern of prompt intervention by city services when birds face threats from urban environments. In both cases, the emphasis was on humane treatment, veterinary assessment, and careful placement in appropriate rehabilitation facilities to maximize the chances of recovery and future survival in the wild.