The 75-foot Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, dressed up in over 50,000 colorful lights and topped with a Swarovski star, is a tourist attraction that leaves visitors in awe. This year, however, a little surprise was hidden in its branches: a saw-whet owl was found perched inside the tree during its transport. The man who found it soon called his wife, an employee at the Ravensbeard Wildlife Center, and explained that the petite owl had hitched a ride in the soon-to-be Christmas tree, unaware that the tree was about to embark on a 170-mile journey from Oneonta to Manhattan.

The owl was first nicknamed “Rockefeller,” but after the wildlife team learned that she was female, they renamed her “Rocky.” She is now recovering at a wildlife center about two hours away from Rockefeller Center. Ellen Kalish, the director and founder of the wildlife center, told NBC (nbcnews.com) that she suspected that the owl was originally in the tree when they cut it down, and when the tree-transport team wrapped up the tree in its branches, the owl got stuck.

Rocky is a saw-whet owl, which is among the smallest owl species. According to Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology, the species will grow to about the size of a soda can. Freshman Abby Guttman commented, “When I saw this on the news, I thought it was so cute! I hope Rocky has a quick recovery and can return home as soon as possible.”

The Ravensbeard Wildlife Center reports that Rocky is “in relatively good condition with all she’s been through,” considering the owl had not eaten for three days before arriving at the wildlife center.

According to ABC news (abcnews.go.com), Rocky will be released back into the wild once given a clean bill of health by a veterinarian. CNN (cnn.com) also shared, “When she’s ready to fly again, Rocky will be released on the grounds of Ravensbeard, where she’ll have acres of trees in which to make a new home. Saw-whet owls are migratory, which makes them quite capable of adapting to new places.”

As of Tuesday, Nov. 26, Rocky was declared to be in clean health by a veterinarian and was released back into the woods near Ravensbeard Wildlife Center. Freshman Marisa Parco said, “It was so heartwarming to see Rocky finally healthy and finally being released. I wish her the best and hope she finds a new permanent home soon.”

If the tree was good enough as a temporary home for Rocky, it will hopefully make a fine Christmas tree and bring joy to the residents of New York City, signifying a joyful close to this crazy year.