![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7032717.1726004440!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
Calgary Zoo's burrowing owl conservation program sees major milestone achieved
![Green48 burrowing owl Calgary Zoo Green48 is shown in a handout photo from the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2024/8/13/green48-burrowing-owl-calgary-zoo-1-6999094-1723565771592.jpg)
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is celebrating the return of a burrowing owl who left to winter in Mexico.
Officials announced on Tuesday that the owl, called "Green48" because of the green-coloured leg bands used to track her, had returned to nest at the zoo.
The zoo says it's the first time since the launch of the facility's conservation program back in 2016 that a burrowing owl has migrated to Mexico, overwintered and returned to nest in Alberta.
"We brought her into the head-starting program in July 2022 as an owlet that was unlikely to survive her first year of life," said Graham Dixon-MacCallum, conservation research population ecologist at the zoo.
"After spending the winter under the diligent care of our staff, we released her back to the prairies in May 2023 into an artificial burrow."
Dixon-MacCallum says migration to and from Mexico across the continental USA is a "significant challenge" for burrowing owls, and many do not survive the trip.
"Having this burrowing owl return and nest is an example of why we should be hopeful for this endangered species."
Green48 wears a solar-powered satellite transmitter, like a backpack, so that the organization can track her travels.
Every minute for 10 hours, the device transmits location data before turning off to recharge.
"The information gathered helps inform conservation efforts by highlighting potential threats the birds may encounter during migration," said the zoo in a news release.
Since the program started, the institute has released 145 head-started burrowing owls back into the wild.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7027977.1725635867!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
TONIGHT Watch live here: The Trump-Harris 2024 presidential debate is tonight
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump will meet face-to-face tonight in the ABC presidential debate. Here's how to watch the event that comes just two months before election day.
U.S. presidential historian predicts results of November elections. Here's who he says will win
An American presidential historian is predicting a Kamala Harris presidency as the outcome of the upcoming U.S. elections in November.
6 things to watch for when Kamala Harris debates Donald Trump
The fundamental question ahead of their meeting in Philadelphia, one of the highest-stakes national debates in a generation, is whether – and how – the presidential candidates can deliver a compelling message.
PwC plans to track employees' location while at work. Is this practice legal in Canada?
As PricewaterhouseCoopers plans to enforce its back-to-office policy by tracking employees in the U.K., one employment lawyer explains whether the practice is legal in Canada.
Terror suspect entered Canada with student visa in June 2023, immigration minister confirms
A Pakistani citizen who was arrested last week in Quebec and charged with plotting a terrorist attack in New York City came to Canada on a student visa in June 2023, Immigration Minister Marc Miller has confirmed.
Canadians want to tip 15% at restaurants, don't want to tip for takeout, survey says
Despite what the default options on the payment terminal might read, most Canadians still want to tip around 15 per cent, according to a new survey.
'A decisive time': Mark Carney calls new role 'an honour,' dodges questions about running for office
In his first press conference on the job, newly appointed Liberal economic growth task force chair Mark Carney said it's 'an honour' to serve in his new role, but wouldn't say whether he plans to run for political office, or whether he'll recommend changing the controversial carbon tax.
Joly says Canada bars any Canadian-made arms from reaching Gaza
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly says Ottawa prohibits any Canadian-made weapons from reaching the Gaza Strip.
NDP MPs embrace distance from 'radioactive' Trudeau brand, as Singh convenes caucus in Montreal
Just days after demolishing his deal with Justin Trudeau’s Liberals, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is holding a three-day strategy session with his MPs in Montreal. There, his MPs are embracing their new-found distance from what one called Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's 'radioactive' brand.