Hawk Survives Car Crash, Wedged in Grille During Test Drive

When a car dealership employee returned from a test drive in Hastings, New Zealand last week, they brought back more than just feedback on the MG's performance. Wedged in the front grille was a young kāhu, or harrier hawk, its body trapped inside and wings splayed out like "a giant, feathered butterfly."

The collision happened mid-drive when the hawk struck the vehicle head-on with enough force to crack the grille. Somehow, the bird was still alive, though stressed, scared, and firmly stuck in place.

Staff at the car yard suggested taking the trapped raptor to VetsOne, a nearby veterinary clinic. What followed was a delicate rescue mission that combined mechanical skill with medical care.

VetsOne's team knew they had to act fast to prevent wing damage. After sedating the bird and administering pain relief, staff carefully folded its wings back into a natural position and tucked them through the damaged grille.

But the hawk remained wedged behind the grille, out of reach. The solution required removing the entire grille piece by piece so vet nurse Nadine Hook could gently extract the bird and bring it inside for treatment.

After a quiet night of recovery, likely with "a bit of a headache and plenty to think about," the examination revealed astonishing news. The hawk had no major injuries.

The next day, after one more dose of pain relief, it was time to let the bird go. When released, the kāhu took to the sky with what VetsOne staff described as "absolute gusto."

Sunny's Take

The hawk circled overhead in confident loops, either getting its bearings or perhaps offering a quick thank you to its rescuers. Then it flew off toward the sunset, completely free.

VetsOne director Sharon Marshall said the brief encounter left a lasting impression on the clinic staff. Working with native wildlife feels "very, very special," she explained, especially on days when not every animal can be saved.

"To be able to do something completely off the bat to help an animal that has no other source of help is really special," Marshall said. "It feels good."

The hawk never stayed long enough to earn a proper name. Staff simply called it Hawk, but its remarkable survival story proves that sometimes the best endings happen when mechanics and medics work together.