Introducing “Mighty Moe”!
He may be little, but he is mighty!
Earlier this year we received a Screech Owl that had been hit by a car, suffering head trauma and severe damage to his left eye. He spent several days at Dr. Riggs’ Vet Clinic and once he was stable, came back with me for continued care and rehabilitation. We returned to the doctor’s office 30 days later for a follow up on his recovery. Unfortunately, it was determined that he would not be able to return to the wild. This prompted me to request that he be in our educational programs. With Dr. Riggs’ in agreement he documented his determination and a request was sent off for review and approval.
A little background on the process, in order for an animal to be used by a rehabilitator for education, it must be approved by the Federal Fish and Game. If it is a bird it also needs the approval of the State Division of Wildlife. This applies even if the animal is being moved to another rehabilitator.
Today [DRUM ROLL], I am pleased to announce that consent to use the Screech Owl for education has been granted! We named him Mighty Moe and it suits him perfectly! Although the Screech Owl is small in stature, they think they are Big and Bad. HA! You may have met Mighty Moe already when he had his debut this past weekend at Donzell’s Garden Center and did wonderfully!
OWLS
Ohio has five owls that live here year round: Great Horn, Barn, Barred, Screech and Saw Whet. In the winter, the Snowy Owl can often be seen when it migrates this far south of its normal home range. They are the silent hunter of the night. An owl’s feathers are soft tipped and because of that they are soundless in flight.
They lay their eggs at two day intervals and they hatch in the same order. Their purpose is population control.
You can do something an owl cannot do and it can do something that you cannot do. YOU are able to move your eyes, an owl cannot. However, an OWL can turn its head completely backwards to see what is behind it. This is something you cannot do, just try it!
If you would like to see Mighty Moe in person, along with all our other Educational animals, consider booking a program or a display by calling 330-745-2947. You can also check out our public and semi-public events on our website at: www.operationorphanwildlife.com
Please enjoy the beauty of our wild furred and feathered animals with whom we share the world.
Copyright 2017 Fran Kitchen
Operation Orphan Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc. is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization and does not receive federal funding. We are supported entirely through private donations, memberships, and proceeds from our education programs. To Donate visit our website here.
