Rescued eagle-owl chick dies, timeline of transfer disputed

A juvenile eagle-owl rescued in Chança, Alter do Chão, died after being handed to authorities, sparking online criticism from a photographer who alleged a 51-hour delay compromised its recovery. GNR and ICNF deny negligence, saying the bird moved from SEPNA to ICNF and then to the CERAS wildlife recovery centre in Castelo Branco within established protocols. CERAS found the owl dehydrated with an exposed elbow fracture and euthanised it, noting delays reflect chronic shortages of staff and logistics affecting wildlife response nationwide, not lack of commitment.