Willow the Barn Owl

Willow is our ambassador Barn Owl. Willow came to us as a patient in the fall of 2019, as a starving fledgling. She was brought in by animal control after being found wandering a crowded street, allowing people to approach her. She had either escaped from, or was released by whomever raised her illegally and caused her to imprint onto humans instead of her own species.  Imprinted animals are not domesticated, however they will never be successful in the wild since they haven’t learned to socialize with like species, recognize predators, or hunt for food.  ‘Malimprinted’ wildlife either succumb to starvation or continually approach humans which is dangerous for the animal as well as people. 

Barn Owls are the most widespread species of owl in the world and can be found on every continent except Antarctica. These owls have the most acute sense of hearing than any other bird and can locate their prey by using their facial discs and asymmetrically placed ears to triangulate sound.

You can meet Willow by booking a private onsite visits or one of Zoom programs.