Salisbury Zoo commemorates owl’s return
The Salisbury Zoo and over 400 guests came together on Thursday night to help give money towards repairs to the Zoo's Spectacled Owl Exhibit.
The repairs were needed because about a month ago, a very large maple tree fell and crushed the Zoo's spectacled owl exhibit that caused one of the Zoo's owls to escape. The Zoo says that they sincerely appreciate the help of the City and the office of Mayor Jake Day in planning and producing the event.
In particular, the Zoo appreciates the warm generosity of the Salisbury community and their ongoing support for the Zoo. The evening included free admission to the Zoo, food, music and beer and wine sampling. Officials say that the highlight of the evening was when Mayor Day announced that the wayward owl has been recaptured by Zoo staff the previous day. While not seen every day, the owl had reportedly been watched routinely on Zoo grounds in the days that followed.
On Wednesday, while performing routine animal care activities alert zoo keepers spotted and captured the owl. Officials say that the bird was immediately taken to the Zoo's Animal Health facility where she was looked at for injuries and given a preliminary health assessment.
Initial assessment found that she was sluggish, potentially due to exposure to recent rains, and had lost weight while she was away. Subsequently she was evaluated by the Zoo's veterinarian who felt that she had a positive prognosis.
She was placed in a warm area of the Health Facility and given access to food and water. Overnight, officials say, her activity level rose and she ate the food provided.
Ongoing observations seem to show that she is recovering well and that her prognosis is still positive. She is still in the Zoo's Animal Health Facility where she is under close medical supervision.
The Salisbury Zoo has been exhibiting Spectacled Owls since the late 1980s. Spectacled owls are smaller than native great horned owls and are from South America.
