Chico Creek Nature Center Welcomes Western Screech Owl as Newest Animal Ambassador

July 29, 2024

An owl with striking yellow eyes peeking out from a wooden enclosure. — *Western Screech Owl at UC Davis California Raptor Center.*

The Chico Creek Nature Center is excited to welcome its newest Animal Ambassador, a Western Screech Owl. Transferred into the Nature Center’s care from the UC Davis California Raptor Center (CRC) in Davis, this owl will play a vital role in enhancing the Nature Center’s educational programs.

Gloved hands holding a bird, focusing on its wing feathers. — *Missing secondary feathers on its left wing has deemed the owl unreleasable.*

The owl was brought to the CRC as an injured juvenile and is unable to fly well due to missing secondary feathers on its left wing and left distal wing soft tissue swelling. With no sign of feather regrowth and suspected permanent follicular damage, the owl is considered unreleasable. Although it can fly within an aviary, it lacks the strength to sustain long flights, making it a perfect candidate for an educational ambassador role.

“We are thrilled to work with the UC Davis California Raptor Center and their dedicated team, including Operations Supervisor Julie Cotton and F&W Scientific Aid Melanie Marshall,” said Recreation Director, Anjie Goulding. “Their expertise and commitment to wildlife rehabilitation have made it possible for us to provide a permanent home for this incredible owl.”

“This is a fantastic opportunity to educate our community about the importance of wildlife conservation and the reasons behind taking in native species that cannot be released back into the wild,” said Recreation Coordinator, Francesca Shaffer. “Our goal is to offer these animals the best quality of life while using their stories to inspire and inform the public.”

To celebrate the arrival of the Western Screech Owl, the Chico Creek Nature Center will host a vote to name the owl on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the Nature Center on Facebook and Instagram @ChicoCreekNatureCenter for updates and to cast your vote.

The Janeece Webb Living Animal Museum is open Friday & Monday from 10 AM–1 PM, and Saturday & Sunday from 10 AM–3 PM. For more information and updates about the Chico Creek Nature Center, please visit the official website at www.chicorec.gov/nature-center and follow the Nature Center on Facebook and Instagram @ChicoCreekNatureCenter.

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Founded in 1948, the Chico Area Recreation & Park District (CARD) is a California Special District focused on creating recreational opportunities that bring friends and families together to have fun and build lasting memories. CARD manages and cares for more than 15 community and neighborhood parks, four community centers, one swimming pool, the Chico Creek Nature Center, and more. The PLAY Activity Guide highlights the numerous sports, classes, camps, special events, and more CARD offers. Learn more about CARD at http://www.chicorec.gov/.

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