An owl that was saved by a Westport police officer is now back in its natural habitat.

It was one of three rescued owls released back into the wild Sunday at the Leonard Schine Preserve in Westport.

"Every one of them is precious, and we want to send them back into nature and to perpetuate their species and live happy lives in nature," said Peter Reid with Wildlife In Crisis.

Members of Wildlife In Crisis in Weston nursed the animals back to health. They say they helped over 65 barred owls this winter, many that were hit by cars.

"These animals have nowhere to go and they're being hit by cars, they're being poisoned by rodenticide, they're flying into electric lines. None of these things are natural," said Dara Reid with Wildlife In Crisis.

One of those barred owls was rescued by Westport Police Officer Dominique Carr last month, who wrapped it in a towel.

"It's up there with one of the unique calls I've had," said Carr.

The 1-year-old bird was found with a bloody beak and a partially closed eye but was otherwise ok.

"I kind of named him to myself. I called him Sgt. Hoots. So I'm happy to see Sgt. Hoots again," said Carr.

Experts say the owl that Carr saved is now fully healthy to live the life it was intended.

Carr had the honor of releasing the animal he first found.

"I think it's awesome that you know light is being shed on this side of the job instead of all the negatives," said Carr.

The owl perched itself in a nearby tree, now with a bird's-eye-view of all the people that helped it.

Wildlife In Crisis says there have been more barred owls this winter because they had a high reproductive rate. The organization says it takes in over 5,000 animals a year.