Casper, a great horned owl at the Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society in Delta, has nurtured over 500 owlets in her 26 years at the facility. Considered a strong and independent single mother, Casper’s dedication to her young ones is unwavering. Rob Hope, the society’s manager, describes her as having a resilient spirit.
With a natural aversion to humans, Casper imparts this crucial trait to the fledglings she is currently fostering. These four young owls, aged between six and seven weeks, are under Casper’s care to learn essential survival skills like hunting and flying. Hope emphasizes the importance of the owlets following and mimicking Casper’s behaviors for their successful release into the wild.
The Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society specializes in rescuing and rehabilitating various raptors, including eagles, falcons, and owls. Casper herself was rescued in 1999 after being caught in a leg-hold trap in Prince George. Despite missing talons that would hinder her hunting abilities in the wild, Casper has displayed exceptional caregiving skills.
According to Hope, Casper’s maternal instincts were evident from the outset when she instinctively cared for a baby owlet. Her nurturing nature has made her a trusted figure at the society for over two decades. Hope hopes for many more years of Casper’s guidance for the young owls in their care.
Estimated to be in her late 20s, Casper is considered a mature adult owl. Great horned owls, like Casper, can live well into their 30s in captivity. The society values Casper’s leadership in raising the fledglings, allowing minimal human interference in their development.
The current fledglings will continue to learn from Casper for approximately another month before they are ready to embark on their own journeys.