MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – Wildwood Park and Zoo is excited to announce the newest additions! On October 22nd, 2023, we welcomed two hatch-year eastern screech owls to the zoo. Both owls are likely females based on their size and are grey phase in color. The pair, like all the birds here at the zoo, were injured in the wild and determined to be non-releasable due to the extent of their eye injuries.
While hearing is a more important sense for owls when it comes to survival, a young owl with no skillset has a much lower chance of thriving if released. Both owls were found in Indiana and cared for by rehabilitation centers who gave them all the time they needed to recover from their injuries. We will be asking the fans of Wildwood Zoo to vote on names chosen by their zookeepers so watch our Facebook page for the naming poll!
Screech owls are cavity nesters and feel very comfortable tucked away into holes and nest boxes. This means they may be difficult to see but visiting close to dusk or dawn gives you the best chance to catch a peak. They inhabit almost any area with sufficient tree cover and can thrive in farmland, suburban landscapes, and even city parks.
We would like to thank both Hoots to Howls Wildlife Rehab and Wildcat Creek Wildlife Centers for entrusting the owls to our care and assisting in the transfer!
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Author: News Desk
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