“Beloved” Wildlife Prairie Park barred owl dies at age 21

HANNA CITY ( 25News Now ) - Wildlife Prairie Park ’s barred owl Ollie has died after more than two decades of calling the zoological park home.

A news release from Wildlife Prairie Park stated that the “beloved” barred owl died from liver disease. Barred owls typically live eight to 12 years in the wild; however, Ollie lived to be 21 years old.

Ollie first came to the park as a young owl that would not be re-released into the wild. She was also an animal ambassador, and handlers from the park would use her story of rehabilitation and resilience to teach others about wildlife.

The park’s release described the owl as having a “larger-than-life personality” and being unlike most owls.

“She was more active during the day and could often be seen sunbathing on warm summer afternoons. She