Phoebe The Burrowing Owl Passes Away

The Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Centre (located on the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds - 250 Thatcher Drive East) had some bad news with the passing of nine year old Phoebe recently.

Phoebe, who arrived from the Manitoba Burrowing Owl Recovery Program in May 2021, was an owl considered to be in retirement, past her breeding age and had come to Moose Jaw to live out the remainder of her days.

“We often take in retired (burrowing) owls that cannot be released,” Lorrie Johnson coordinator of the Interpretive Centre said.

Although considered a wild burrowing owl Phoebe could not be released into the wild because she had an eye injury meaning she could not be safely released.

A burrowing owl at the centre - this is not Phoebe - MJ Independent file photo

In the wild burrowing owls live three to six years and in captivity eight to ten years. Phoebe passed away of natural causes.

Phoebe was the offspring of the original breeding pair in the Manitoba program.

Asked if the loss of Phoebe would have a negative effect on Moose Jaw’s educational program Johnson said it would not but it would be one less owl for people to visit in Moose Jaw.

Johnson said she could not say if Moose Jaw would be receiving a replacement owl for Phoebe but it was common for retired owls from other programs to be moved to Moose Jaw to live out their final days.

“If they have somebody that needs a permanent home we always take them in. There is nothing concrete (about a replacement),” she said.

The Moose Jaw centre is now home to 11 burrowing owls, one short eared owl and two Richardson ground squirrels (gophers).