Rocky's Big Adventure

Every December, millions of people visit a special Christmas tree in New York City. It sits in front of a building called Rockefeller Center. The tree is enormous—often more than 70 feet tall! Colorful ornaments and 50,000 lights sparkle in its branches, and a glittery star glows at the top. What a sight!

Each year, a tree is chosen from a forest in New York or a nearby state. Workers then drive the tree to New York City. But in 2020, these workers got a surprise. When they unwrapped the tree, they saw two yellow eyes peeking out at them. A tiny owl was hiding in the branches!

The workers named the little owl Rockefeller, or Rocky for short. Rocky had traveled nearly 200 miles. For three days, she had been trapped in the tree without food or water. 

Now, she was in the busiest, most crowded city in the country. Rocky probably missed her quiet forest home. 

The workers bundled Rocky in a blanket. Then they took her to a special center that cares for animals. There, Rocky was given food and water. 

One week later, Rocky was ready to go home. Workers at the center took her to a forest and set her free. Rocky looked around. Then she raised her wings and flew back into the trees, where she belonged.