From ARC
Foot health is crucial for raptors, as their feet and talons are their primary tools for catching and disabling prey. Consequently, foot injuries are not uncommon among raptors admitted for rehabilitation. However, what you see in the first picture is exceptionally rare: a young great horned owl with webbed toes. We were very surprised when we first noticed this owl's condition. Over the years, we have encountered hundreds of great horned owls, none of which displayed webbing between the toes, a condition known as syndactyly.
This owlet, whom we nicknamed Webster, had webbing on both feet, connecting the third and fourth digits. Owls possess semi-zygodactyl feet and can rotate their fourth digit, which aids in grasping. However, due to the fusion with his third toe, Webster was unable to rotate his fourth digit. It quickly became apparent that he was struggling with normal foot placement during perching.
After careful examination by our veterinarian, it was determined that Webster could undergo surgery to separate the digits (second picture). Following a successful surgery and recovery period, Webster was placed in a flight enclosure where he was able to perch and use his feet normally. After spending some time strengthening his wings and feet, Webster proved he was capable of release! The last picture shows Webster before his release later that night.
A rare condition and the ability to fix it. It's nice to read when human intervention actually is positive since our species has already done a lot of wrecking so this feels like harm reduction.
I hope the owl lives a long time. I wonder if it's genetically passed down though. Might end up cultivating owls that have that.
I don't know what I'm allowed to say about some things, but I have seen some associates of mine devote a good chunk of time and effort to animals that likely have no chance of living. Some don't make it, but a few do. But the people that try and the animals that beat the odds are both some of the most inspiring I've gotten to meet.
It is sometimes upsetting to hear some calls we get. People want the animals saved, so they call, and I get sometimes they can't physically help, but some either won't lift a finger, you can tell some created the problem for the animal, or people want to see us as some humane version of pest control where we'll remove raccoons from their property and send them to a nice farm upstate, but literally. These animals have been here for ages before you, and they have a right to be there now. Fix your darn house and they won't get in.
I think this owl has a great chance now. If it occurred with regularity, I don't think those genes would be carried along too long for an animal that is using its feet for something pretty much 24/7.
It's amazing they found it and had a seemingly easy time fixing it up. Stories like this where it all happens against the odds ever get old to me. I never would have thought I'd see a web-toed owl. No matter where its fate takes it now, it's going to go infinitely better than the path it was born into. Best of luck Webby!