Rockefeller Christmas tree owl released after $15,000 raised for sanctuary who looked after her

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The owl that was found hidden in the Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree has been released into the wild, after $15,000 was raised for the wildlife sanctuary that cared for the creature. Rockefeller or “Rocky”, as the owl was nicknamed, was released on Tuesday after a week in rehabilitation at Ravensbeard Wildlife Center, some 90 miles north of Rockefeller Plaza, in upstate New York. She added that, as well as Rocky, “this year we took in over 150 birds – way beyond our capacity.” Rocky, a small Saw-whet owl, was taken-in by Ravensbeard after workers discovered her inside this year’s Rockefeller Christmas tree. She soon received a large online following, with fans flocking to the Ravensbeard Wildlife Center’s page on Facebook, and posting about the owl on social media.