Athena's Owlet Survives, Fans Cheer

It's April 20th. El Paso News today starts now, AI-powered and ready.

Athena, the great horn owl who's basically Austin's official mascot at the Lady Bird Johnson

Wildflower Center, had a rough start this nesting, season. She laid two eggs back on March 5th

and March 9th, both hatched into outlets earlier this month, but folks thought both babies were gone,

one died, quick, and the second seemed lifeless too. Turns out, the second owl had pulled

through after all. Staff from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology kept eyes on the nest cam, spotted

some movement after hours of nothing and teamed up with Austin Wildlife. Rest you to swoop in

and get the little one to a sanctuary for care. Athena's been holding court at the center for over

a decade now, drawing a huge crew of fans who tune into the 24-7 livestream of her, nest right

above the courtyard entrance. She's raised plenty of chicks before, turning into this beloved

ambassador for the city. Fast forward to Monday and the updates looking good. The owl is perking

up, eating strong, and the team says they've got real hope for a full recovery. Meanwhile, Mama

Athena's back at it, tending her spot like always. Nature's wild like that, full of twists,

but with eyes on this nest, we're all rooting for that owl to fled strong and join the skies.