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Zeus North Great Horned Owl


Why the name?
Because this male Great Horned Owl, like most of his species, fears nothing and will throw his thunderbolts at anyone.


Rehab history
Probably hit by a car in 2005.


Story
Zeus came to RCV with serious damage to the tendons and nerves in his right wing. This type of injury takes a long time to heal, if it does at all. In most cases, full use of the wing never returns. In the case of Zeus, RCV volunteers worked for many hours to help him strengthen his wing, to give him the maximum chance for release. Despite many weeks in big flight cages, Zeus was unable to regain real flight capability. Although Zeus can maneuver well in his 12’ flight cage, he cannot fly distances or strongly enough to survive in the wild. He became an education bird in early 2006.

Zeus has learned to be comfortable around people when on the glove. He is in great shape except for the wing, and should be making public appearances for years to come.

 
© 2008 Raptor Conservancy of Virginia
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