Calgary Zoo gives endangered burrowing owl hope for recovery

The Calgary Zoo has embarked on an innovative project aimed at saving one of the country’s most unique and endangered owls.

The burrowing owl, which is small and lives in the ground, is a Canadian treasure that is in severe danger.

“Since the 1990s, the populations have plummeted about 90 per cent,” Dr. Axel Moehrenschlager explained. “It’s the fastest declining bird of prey in Canada.”

“Actually, it’s declining about 15 per cent each year.”

The youngest owls from each nest rarely survive and 15 of them have been rescued.

They’ll be cared for at the zoo over the winter months and then they’ll be released back into the wild to breed next spring and their movements will be tracked through satellite.

The project is a partnership between the Calgary Zoo, Environment and Climate Change Canada Canadian Wildlife Service, and Alberta Environment and Parks.

 

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