What do you think a Common raven, a Common kestrel, an Eurasian goshawk, a White stork, and a Tawny owl have in common?

If you haven’t guessed it, we’ll tell you: they have all been patients at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre for Injured Animals.

They came to us with various health problems – muscle strains, poor physical condition, or concussions – and stayed under our care for a few days or even several months. We provided them with a place to recover, tasty food, regular check-ups with the vet, and everything else they needed.

When the moment for the “flight test” arrived, we felt the same nerves. The same emotions we feel every time we release an animal. The raven took off swiftly and disappeared within seconds. The kestrel didn’t hesitate either – it headed straight for the first tree it spotted. The stork soared gracefully across the sky, while the owl initially hid and needed a few minutes to realise it was free.

As much as we wish and do everything we can for them, not all our patients manage to recover. That was the case with the goshawk, the only one who didn’t pass the test and returned to our centre.

Watch how the flight test went for each of our patients released this month.