Ralph Mitchell Zoo in Independence welcomes a new animal to its family.

 

The Zoo recently acquired a Great Horned Owl named Owliver. Owliver comes to Independence from Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education in Love's Park, Illinois. The young owl was hatched in 2024 and discovered in April with a fractured right wing. The injury required surgery and a permanent pin was placed in the bone. As a result, Owliver would never be able to live in the wild.

 

Great Horned Owls are the most common owl found in North America. The owls are primarily nocturnal, preferring to hunt at night. Their hearing is so good, they can detect a mouse moving under a foot of snow. Great Horned Owls play an important role in the environment by controlling rodent populations.

 

Zoo officials say Owliver is taking some time to get used to his new home, but that he is currently available for viewing at the Zoo in Independence.