Two employees at the Palo Verde Generating Station, operated by Arizona Public Service (APS), recently assisted in rescuing a barn owl that became trapped in pest deterrent netting at the facility. The generating station, located west of Phoenix, is part of APS’s operations providing nuclear energy to homes and businesses across Arizona.
Vernon Bounds noticed the distressed owl during a routine inspection and called for help from his colleague Cindy Tuma. Together, they freed the bird by carefully cutting away the netting from its leg and placed it in a box with a towel for comfort.
“I looked up and noticed the owl was struggling to fly away. We were there at the right place and the right time to help bring this beautiful bird down!” Vernon said.
The team then coordinated with Liberty Wildlife, an organization dedicated to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation that has partnered with APS for many years. After one week under professional care, Liberty Wildlife determined that the owl was healthy enough to be released back into its natural environment.
Cindy Tuma reflected on her experience: “The adrenaline, the joy – it’s a moment I’ll never forget. Being part of helping this bird fly home meant everything to me.”
The release took place at sunset due to owls’ nocturnal habits, allowing those involved to witness the bird return to flight.
APS serves about 1.4 million customers throughout Arizona as a regulated utility company according to its official website. The company supplies electricity across urban and rural areas within its service territory and offers various customer support programs, including billing assistance based on income eligibility as detailed online.
