Top row: tawny owl, southern white faced owl, barn owl, milky eagle owl
Middle row: ashy faced owl, lesser horned owl, great grey owl, African spotted eagle owl
Bottom row: Chaco owl, Tengmalm’s (or boreal) owl, Eurasian eagle owl, African wood owl – Courtesy of Scottish Owl Centre
Beautiful portraits are showcasing the twelve species of hand-reared birds that are being touted among the largest collection of owls in the world—over 150 raptors in total.
Ranging in age from 1-19 years-old, they were photographed at their home in the Scottish Owl Centre in Bathgate, 23 miles outside Glasgow—and, as the founders are nearing retirement, you could be the next owner.
The youngest is an Ashy-faced owl named Opia (far left, middle row). The oldest—and also the largest bird at the center—is a Eurasian eagle owl (pictured in bottom row, third from left), majestically named Zeus.
The zoo’s head keeper Trystan Williams trains all the owls for daily flying displays—teaching the chicks at a young age to get used to human contact, and rewarding them with small pieces of chicken by hand.
“These are the birds that people meet here at the centre and that they’ll see in our flying displays,” he said. (Listen to them in the video at the bottom…)
Of the birds pictured, the one that’s been flying in the shows the longest is the Eurasian eagle owl, Zeus, a rescued bird that arrived at age five. One of the largest of the owl species, eagle owls have a wingspan of well over six feet.
“It’s hard to have a favorite when they’re all so fantastic, but the big owls are spectacular, so Zeus is a favorite of lots of the staff and visitors,” said Trystan.
TOP ROW: Chaco owl, Eurasian eagle owl, Tengmalm’s (boreal) owl, southern white faced owl
MIDDLE row: African wood owl, great grey owl, lesser horned owl, ashy faced owl
BOTTOM ROW: African spotted eagle owl, milky eagle owl, barn owl, tawny owl – Scottish Owl Centre photos by Katielee Arrowsmith
“I love seeing them in flight,” said the trainer. “I also enjoy talking to people about them and sharing my passion with others too.”
Looking for a new purpose aligned with owls?
The Center, which first opened to the public 20 years ago, was founded and is owned by Rod Angus, a life-long ornithologist, and his wife Niccy.
As they approach retirement, they’re keen to find new owners who align with the Center’s educational mission and concern for the welfare of owls and their conservation.
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Their award-winning zoo is profitable, too, attracting 22,000 visitors in 2024.
“We are committed to a smooth handover and would provide any necessary training and phased support after the sale, ensuring continuity for staff, visitors and the owls in our care,” they wrote on their website, where you can find more information.
“Owning and managing the 150+ owls of the Scottish Owl Centre would be a unique work of love and life-style choice for anyone interested in wildlife education and conservation.”
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