In her 26-year tenure at the Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society in Delta, the formidable Casper, a single mother Great Horned Owl, has nurtured over 500 owlets. Known for her strong maternal instincts and aversion to humans, Casper is currently caring for four fledglings rescued from various situations, all aged between six and seven weeks.
Rob Hope, the society’s manager, emphasized the importance of Casper’s role in teaching the fledglings essential survival skills such as flying, hunting prey, and avoiding human contact. By observing and mimicking Casper, the young owlets are preparing for their eventual release into the wild with a strong chance of survival.
The Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society specializes in rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing various raptors like eagles, falcons, and owls. Casper joined the society in 1999 after being trapped in Prince George, where she sustained talon injuries that hinder her hunting abilities. Nonetheless, Casper’s nurturing nature shone through when she instinctively cared for a baby owlet, showcasing her unique talents beyond hunting.
Hope highlighted Casper’s pivotal role as the primary caregiver for the fledglings, allowing volunteers to minimize direct interaction with the young owlets. With her experience and dedication, Casper continues to be a trusted mother figure at the society, with hopes for many more years of nurturing wildlife.
Estimated to be in her late 20s, Casper, a Great Horned Owl, still has years ahead as these majestic birds can live well into their 30s in captivity, according to the Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society in Vancouver. As Casper guides her current charges through their developmental stages, volunteers anticipate their eventual independence after about another month under her watchful care.