Washington snowy owl hit by bus, recovering

This video from the USA is called Snowy Owl Treated at Smithsonian’s National Zoo.

Snowy owl doing well at rehab facility: Was hit by a bus Thursday morning

By Michael E. Ruane and Peter Hermann, Updated: Friday, January 31, 4:04 PM

The snowy owl that was struck by a Metro bus in downtown Washington on Thursday was reported to be in stable condition Friday.

“The snowy owl is doing well this morning,” Alicia DeMay, clinic director of City Wildlife, the D.C. rehabilitation facility that is caring for the owl, said in an e-mail.

“Today we will be doing the very important X-rays needed to see how extensive the break is in the toe,” she said. In addition, she said, “the blood work should be back today which will tell how well the internal organs are functioning and the sex of our famous bird.”

The owl was hit by the bus early Thursday near 15th and I streets NW, according to D.C. police spokesman Araz Alali.

It was brought by police to the National Zoo, where it was treated and examined, and was then turned over to the rehabilitation facility Thursday.

It suffered a broken toe on its left foot, and may have suffered internal and head injuries as well. The rehab facility will care for it until it is well enough to be released back into the wild.

The owl captivated Washingtonians in recent frigid days when it made several appearances near McPherson Square and outside The Washington Post. It has striking white feathers and yellow eyes. Snowy owls are native to the Arctic, but can venture south in search of food.