The Woodland Park Zoo has had even more new babies arrive as they’ve welcomed snowy owl chicks. The last hatching of snowy owls at the Zoo was nine years ago.
First-time parents are June and Dusty, with mom June sitting on the nest most of the time. “The owlets are beginning to venture outside the nest, so visitors may have the chance to see them on the ground,” said Kevin Murphy, an animal curator at the Zoo. The owl family live in the Northern Trail habitat, where visitors can stop by.
June and Dusty were paired under the Snowy Owl Species Survival Plan – a cooperative, conservation breeding program. The population of snowy owls in their natural habitat is decreasing. As these raptors migrate south, they come into civilization and perish from contact with utility lines, wire fences, airplanes and other human structures. Owls in general are in decline due to habitat loss, disease and poisoning from improperly used rodent poisons.
The fluffy white snowy owl is the heaviest North American owl, and one of the largest in overall size. To help the survival of snowy owls in the wild, please consider avoiding the use of pesticides, chemical herbicides, and rodenticides.
To see the new, magical snowy owls, and other wonderous critters under the care of the Woodland Park Zoo, go to Zoo.org to purchase timed-entry admission tickets. Also, visit Zoo.org to learn more about how Woodland Park is working to keep visitors, animals and staff safe and healthy through this difficult time.