I don’t often mention the passing of ambassador animals, but I just heard we lost one of our best little ambassadors! 🥺

Harry hid most of the time she wasn’t at work on a program, so I didn’t see her other than a streak flying into her owl house as I came to feed her and clean her mew that she shared with her fellow Screech friend, Steve.

I saw her years ago the first time I went to an open house event at the clinic, and she was the first owl I got to care for. I was supposed to be able to hold her for the next event to teach our guests about her, but now I think I know why people were a little awkward on Saturday when I asked why I couldn’t use her for the spring open house.

Now I am even more glad I had the opportunity to work our Halloween event and stand next to her and answer a lot of the guests’ questions, even if I had to run one of the carnival games instead of holding the owl.

I’m sad I won’t get to work with her anymore, but she will always be the first owl I got to care for, so I will always remember her fondly.

Here is the message we got:

Hi everyone,

I’m writing with sad news. Our beloved red Eastern Screech Owl, Harry (Harriet), passed away this weekend.

Harry was an incredible ambassador for her species and such a sweet, easygoing girl. She accompanied us on countless programs, quietly captivating every audience she met. For many of our volunteers, she was the very first bird they learned to handle for programs.

During her time with us, Harry touched the lives of so many volunteers, campers, visitors, and community members. Her presence made an impact that will not be forgotten, and she will be truly missed.

Please take a moment to hold her in your thoughts. Thank you all for the love and care you’ve given her all these years.

  • anon6789@lemmy.worldOP
    15·
    11 days ago

    I believe she was on the receiving end of a car strike if I remember correctly, leading to her eye loss and her trademark winky face. I don’t know if some people don’t like the permanent wink, but I always thought they did a really good job on her eye. I see it as a sign of resilience.

    I recently read up of the hows and whys of owl eye surgery and it was very impressive all the care and consideration that goes into it. Owl eyes make up such a large percentage of their heads that there are many things to consider, from potential to damage sight to the other eye to even affecting their hearing.

    • DearMoogle@piefed.socialEnglish
      11·
      11 days ago

      Oh I see. I hadn’t thought about that being such a major surgery for her, but it makes sense even just considering their skull shape and how much of that is dedicated to the eyes. She was a survivor!