Great Horned Owlets
Three Great Horned Owls were brought to Tucson Wildlife Center as branchlings, including a pair of siblings. While we always aim to renest young raptors when possible, that was not an option for this trio.
When they first arrived, the owlets were hand-fed two to three times a day. To help prevent habituation to humans, our wildlife care team wore a ghillie suit and used a Great Horned Owl puppet during feedings (see video).
They have since been moved to an outdoor enclosure, where they can acclimate to the weather and other natural conditions. The plan is for them to be transferred together to a hack site.
Hacking is a soft-release method that closely mimics what young owls experience in the wild. After leaving the nest, Great Horned Owl fledglings spend several weeks learning to fly and hunt while still relying on their parents for food. During this time, they return to their parents and remain in the area until they become fully independent.
At a hack site, they will be given that same opportunity—supplemental food will be provided while they build strength and develop hunting skills, allowing them to gradually transition to independence while remaining in a safe, familiar area. If you would like to help patients like these Great Horned Owls, click this link to donate,
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