MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – The City of Marshfield Parks & Recreation Department announces with utmost sadness the passing of Harry, the male great horned owl at Wildwood Zoo. Following a period of abnormal behavior, Harry received a full veterinary exam. Unfortunately, the difficult decision was made to euthanize Harry following the exam due to age-related issues that further limited his mobility. Though Harry’s true age was unknown, he surpassed the average life expectancy of his wild and captive counterparts and was likely 25-30 years of age.
Harry came to the zoo as an adult in summer of 2005 after receiving care from Raptor Education Group Incorporated (REGI) in Antigo, Wisconsin. He was brought to REGI’s clinic after sustaining a severe wing injury, which required a partial amputation of his right wing. Because of this, Harry was unable to survive in the wild, and was transferred to the zoo to live the rest of his long life. Harry loved to sit in his covered perch and watch the world go by. His caretakers will miss working under his careful supervision, and discovering all of the places he could hide bits of food. Harry shared his home with a female great horned owl, Sassy who will be closely monitored during her transition to solo living. Great horned owls are not typically social animals, and the zoo does not currently have plans to bring in another owl.
Over the course of the past year or so, Wildwood Zoo has said goodbye to a high number of animals. This has been a difficult time for our staff and visitors who have grown attached to our zoo residents. As a testament to the care they receive here, the losses have been heavily comprised of seniors who are facing age-related illness and complications. While it certainly doesn’t make it easier to lose an animal, knowing they lived a long, happy, and healthy life here is a comfort. As always, the Parks and Recreation staff appreciates your continued support of Wildwood Park and Zoo.
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Author: News Desk
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