Barn Owl – Jupiter

Name: Jupiter – Male

Species: Barn Owl

Liberty Arrival: 2021 / Juvenile

Injury/Condition: Left wing trauma

Jupiter was found on the ground as a juvenile with a droop to his left wing. Radiographs confirmed he had soft tissue damage and needed time to rest. After time spent healing, he was placed outside with other juvenile barn owls and foster parents, where it was discovered he could not sustain flight as well as his foster siblings. Due to his inability to fly long distances, he was determined non-releasable, and was transferred to our education team.

Barn Owl Facts

Description: The barn owl is one of the most widespread of all owls and can be found on every continent except Antarctica.

Life span: The limited research indicates a short life span in the wild between 1 and 2 years while other studies indicate as much as 12 years. In captivity, they may live to 20 years or more.

Prey: Nocturnal hunters, barn owls prefer small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, and small rats.

Babies: Nests are made in existing cavities in trees, cliffs, barn lofts, and nest boxes.  Normally, they will lay 5 to 7 eggs that are incubated for 29 to 34 days.  The young fledge from 56 to 70 days.