The Calgary Zoo has launched a program to help save endangered burrowing owls.
15 burrowing owls are now in residence at the zoo, taking part in a program to help stop the decline of what was once one of Alberta’s most abundant birds of prey.
"Once they used to be found across the native prairie that we would have BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan even into Manitoba but that is no longer the case," said Axel Moehrenschlager, the Calgary Zoo’s Conservation Director.
Destruction of habitat, shortages of food and pesticides have reduced the burrowing owl to fewer than 800 breeding pairs in the country, making them an endangered species.
The owls at the zoo were captured in southern Alberta, and the smallest ones would have had little chance of surviving the winter.
“We take care of them, we keep them until spring then we will release them as pairs,” said Moehrenschlager. “When we release them as pairs they're extremely likely to breed.”
Protecting the tiny raptors is a critical part of ensuring species diversity in this province.
“It's something we should cherish because they're a precious part of our native prairie,” said Moehrenschlager.
Before the owls are released, they will be fitted with tiny transmitters so their movements can be tracked. If the results are good, the zoo hopes to expand the program.
