Casper the Owl Has Raised Over 500 Orphaned Owlets

Summary

For 26 years, a great horned owl named Casper at a wildlife rehabilitation center in British Columbia has fostered over 500 orphaned owlets. Injured in a leg-hold trap years ago, Casper cannot hunt in the wild but excels at teaching young owls essential survival skills—flying, catching prey, and fearing humans—before they're released.

Quick Facts

• Casper has fostered over 500 owlets during her 26 years at the Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society
• She came to the center in 1999 after being caught in a leg-hold trap and losing her talons
• Her fledglings learn crucial survival skills by mimicking her behavior before release into the wild

Why It Matters

Casper's maternal role directly improves survival rates for orphaned wildlife returning to the wild.