Photo: Steven Salowsky
CHELMSFORD, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The smallest of raptors is not only having a huge impact on social media, it's also helping the founder of Cape Ann Wildlife battle a serious illness.
A little saw-whet owl, the smallest owl species in the eastern U.S., was found last week injured and grounded in a Medford driveway.
The owl was taken to Newhouse Wildlife Rescue in Chelmsford for initial treatment.
It's now recovering at Cape Ann Wildlife with two broken bones in its wing.
A picture of the tiny owl was taken next to a banana to show its diminutive size.
CEO and Founder of Newhouse Wildlife Rescue, Jane Newhouse, said they took the photo so people can see how small this owl really is. "We put a banana in front of her just to show people her size," she said.
That picture went viral. "Six, 7 inches. This one weighs about 176 grams, which is what your iPhone weighs without a case."
Meanwhile, Woodhouse used the popularity of the little recuperating owl to raise money to help the founder of Cape Ann Wildlife, who is battling lung cancer. "She called me this morning crying because this meant the world to her," Newhouse said.
So far, more than $17,000 has been raised.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.