Trapped owl draws crowd, rescuers

A great-horned owl trapped between an elevator and its glass housing was rescued and set free Thursday, but not before attracting a crowd of well-wishers and rescuers.

Winter visitor Kim Ecklund noticed the owl’s predicament in the two-story office area of Continental Plaza.

“It had somehow slipped down and was trapped,” he said. “I went to see if any businesses were open, and one financial office nearby was. The guys called management, then the sheriff and more people showed up.”

Sue Simpson from Simpson’s Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Valley was also called and arrived within minutes.

Ecklund said a hardware store supplied a ladder and Simpson climbed up with a long pole with a net to reach around and down the elevator.

“I was very impressed,” he said. “She stole the show. She tried in vain several times but finally succeeded.”

On the last try, the owl dropped below the elevator and became stuck in the access area as about 20 to 30 people gathered around, Ecklund said.

Ken Witte, a shopping center maintenance worker, opened the access door and Simpson crawled down to reach the owl.

Ecklund said it was freezing early Thursday morning and Simpson took her coat off, wrapped it around the owl and brought it up for everyone to see and take photos.

“It probably has its territory right in that neighborhood,” Simpson said. “It’s good that we were able to release it right away.”

Ecklund said the owl flew to a nearby palm tree and then took off.

“It was a Herculean effort with quite a positive ending,” he said.

Contact Green Valley freelance reporter Ellen Sussman at ellen2414@cox.net.