Endangered owls, cared for at the Calgary Zoo, now returned to the wild
Zookeepers, who cared for a group of endangered owlets, hope to see the birds mating and laying eggs this season to help bolster Alberta's wildlife population.
Over the past year, staff at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo worked at the facility's Wildlife Conservation Centre (WCC) to raise 20 burrowing owls to give them a head start on a life in the wild.
Without the threat of predators, extreme weather, competition for food and resources, the owls rate of survival has greatly increased, officials say.
"Conservation head-starting is just one piece of a very challenging puzzle," said Graham Dixon-MacCallum, conservation research population ecologist with the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, in a release.
"We know that burrowing owls still face threats in their grasslands habitat, but thanks to this important collaborative effort there are more owls in the wild to regain a foothold in the province."
Staff members that worked with the owlets say they were "lucky" to be a part of their lives.
"It's fantastic to see the progress they have made here at the WCC," said Colleen Baird, senior manager of animal care with the Animal Care, Health, & Welfare team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.
"We want to make sure that the owls are equipped to overcome challenges in the wild. Our team of veterinary, animal care, and conservation research experts work together to ensure the owls are healthy and have excellent body condition."
The Prairies are where Canada's burrowing owl population makes their home and habitat loss, climate change and other environmental changes have led to their decline.
"Canada's burrowing owls have seen a more than 90 per cent decline in their population over the last 40 years and are still facing significant threats. One of the many factors that limit their population from growing is the low survival rate of owlets hatched in the wild," the zoo said.
Now that they are free in the Canadian grasslands, the owls are able to nest in secure burrows installed by team members and equipped with a netted enclosure.
They will also be provided food at the location until they lay eggs of their own.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.