Keeping the "wild" in Wildlife

Five young owls were received in the past week for rehabilitation.  A few of these juvenile owls were injured or sick; others may have been pushed out of the nest early.  The challenge of raising these young owls, is to keep them from becoming habituated to people, and to help them retain their fear of humans, dogs, and predators.  They will need to learn to hunt for their food, choose the right habitat, communitcate with their own species, and display correct behavior for their species.  Much of this is made easier through the use of foster parents.  Adult owls of the same species will help to raise the young.

This young Barred Owl was given a partial nest box.  He hides behind the wall when people approach.  We are able to gain access if needed but otherwise, he is left to associate with his own species.  The foster parent is in a cage on the left.

From this view, you can see the foster parent (Wilma), and the juvenile in the background (Willie).  When the youngster can fly, both owls will live in a flight cage as the young owl learns hunting techniques from the adult owl.