Snowy owls are magnificent white owls that live in the Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia. Their all-white plumage provides excellent camouflage in the snowy tundra. Snowy owls have become popular due to their beautiful and iconic appearance, leading many people to wonder if they can be found in zoos.
Can you see snowy owls at zoos?
Yes, snowy owls are kept at some zoos around the world. However, they are not as common as many other owl species. There are a few reasons zoos may choose to keep snowy owls:
- Their unique appearance attracts visitors who want to see these stunning Arctic birds up close.
- Zoos aim to educate people about snowy owl behavior, biology, and conservation.
- They are part of captive breeding programs for endangered birds.
- Rescued snowy owls that cannot be released back to the wild are given a permanent home.
Why don’t more zoos have snowy owls?
There are several challenges to keeping snowy owls in captivity:
- They are used to the extreme cold temperatures of the Arctic tundra. Caring for them requires specialized enclosures with low temperatures.
- Snowy owls have a very specific diet of lemmings and other small rodents. Zoos need access to a steady supply of these prey animals.
- They require large enclosures and isolated spaces. Snowy owls are sensitive to noise, human activity, and other disruptions.
- As wild birds unused to captivity, they tend to be stressed and prone to injury in confined spaces.
Due to these demanding habitat, diet, space, and temperament requirements, relatively few zoos are able to appropriately care for snowy owls.
What zoos have snowy owls?
Some notable zoos that are home to snowy owls include:
Smithsonian’s National Zoo
The National Zoo in Washington D.C. has been exhibiting snowy owls on and off for many years. Their current resident is a male snowy owl named Montana who arrived in 2009. He lives in an enclosure designed to mimic his natural Arctic environment.
Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia Zoo has successfully bred and raised snowy owls in the past as part of a captive breeding program. Their current snowy owl residents are a pair named Glacier and Yukon housed in the zoo’s bird kingdom exhibit.
Detroit Zoo
Detroit Zoo has a snowy owl habitat in their Arctic Ring of Life exhibit. Their resident female snowy is named Hedwig after the Harry Potter character. She shares space with other Arctic species like polar bears.
Brookfield Zoo
Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo has a snowy owl named Snowball. He lives behind the scenes and serves as an animal ambassador, making appearances at educational programs.
Other Zoos
Snowy owls can occasionally be spotted at zoos like Central Park Zoo, Bronx Zoo, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Toledo Zoo, and Columbus Zoo. They are often rescued birds being housed temporarily.
How are snowy owls cared for in zoos?
Caring for snowy owls in captivity requires providing for their unique needs:
Enclosure
- Large flight cages mimicking Arctic spaces, with ledges for perching
- Nest boxes for shelter and seclusion
- Chilly temperatures from 32 to 60°F
- Hiding spots among rocks, logs, and plants
- Soft natural substrate like snow, grass, or dirt
Diet
- Lean meats like mice, rats, chicks, and quail
- Occasional rabbit, fish, or carrion
- Vitamin supplements added to food
Enrichment
- Large carcass or whole prey for tearing apart
- New objects to investigate like boxes or paper bags
- Food hidden around enclosure to “hunt”
- Puzzles and games to work for treats
Handling
- Minimal human contact besides vet exams
- Thick leather gloves used for handling
- Training for behaviors to reduce stress
With meticulous care in zoo environments mimicking the wild, snowy owls can thrive in captivity.
What can you see snowy owls doing at the zoo?
Snowy owl behaviors zoo visitors may get to observe include:
- Perching or roosting – Owls spend most of their time perched up high surveying their territory.
- Hunting – Zoo owls are given whole prey to simulate natural hunting behaviors like pouncing and tearing.
- Grooming – Snowy owls meticulously preen and tidy their feathers to maintain insulation.
- Vocalizing – Listen for barks, hoots, and other sounds snowy owls make to communicate.
- Interacting – Birds in pairs may display bonding behaviors like mutual preening.
- Playing – Enrichment items let owls exhibit natural playful behaviors.
- Nesting – Breeding owls engage in scraping out nests and incubating eggs.
Observing snowy owls engage in these natural behaviors helps zoo visitors better understand and appreciate these majestic Arctic birds.
Notable zoo snowy owls
Certain individual snowy owls in zoos have become beloved celebrities over the years:
| Name | Zoo | Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Hedwig | Detroit Zoo | Named after Harry Potter’s owl companion |
| Bubo | Smithsonian National Zoo | Lived over 28 years in captivity |
| Snowball | Brookfield Zoo | A popular animal ambassador |
| Frost | Cincinnati Zoo | Fathered over 20 offspring in captivity |
These snowy owls and others have helped teach generations of zoo visitors about these spectacular raptors.
Why are snowy owls important to see in zoos?
Exhibiting snowy owls in zoos provides the following educational benefits:
- Lets people observe majestic Arctic owls up close that they likely won’t encounter in the wild.
- Increases public appreciation and support for snowy owl conservation.
- Spreads awareness of threats to snowies like climate change, habitat loss, and pesticides.
- Shows their adaptations like thick plumage and sharp talons for living in the far north regions.
- Allows research into their behavior, biology, health, and husbandry needs.
- Promotes an interest in owls and raptors to inspire young minds.
Seeing snowy owls thrive in zoos helps visitors connect with and care about these rare and beautiful birds.
How can you help snowy owls?
If you are inspired to help snowy owls after seeing them in zoos, here are some actions you can take:
- Donate to organizations like the Peregrine Fund that support snowy owl conservation in the Arctic.
- Contact government officials to advocate for climate change policies that protect Arctic habitats.
- Reduce pesticide use in yards and landscapes that can impact owl food supplies.
- Put up nest boxes suited for snowy owls to provide potential nest sites.
- Spread awareness on social media about snowy owl threats and how to help.
- Report any encounters with snowy owls to local experts to track populations.
Every small action combines to make a real difference for magnificent snowy owls now and in the future.
Conclusion
Snowy owls are captivating but challenging birds for zoos to successfully care for and exhibit. Their specialized needs mean relatively few zoos are home to snowy owls. But the ones that do provide a valuable opportunity for people to observe snowy behaviors up close and learn about these Arctic raptors. Seeing a snowy owl in a zoo can inspire visitors to appreciate their adaptations, understand the threats they face, and contribute to conservation efforts to protect these iconic birds.
