Great grey owl

Strix nebulosa lapponica

Grey great owl sitting on a branch in a tree looking to the left IMAGE: Allie McGregor 2023

Status

NE DD LC NT VU EN CR EW EX

For more info on classifications visit www.iucnredlist.org

We currently have two great grey owls in our collection. A male, named Edwin, who arrived in September 2011 and his daughter, Zooni.  

Population

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Increasing

Diet

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Carnivore

Habitat

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Forest

Fact file

  • Great grey owls are one of the largest species of owl in the world and the largest to live in the Northern hemisphere

  • The most obvious feature of a great grey owl is its large facial disk, a satellite dish of feathers which directs all sounds towards their ears helping the owl to locate its prey by sound

  • Most of their body has a thick layer of feathers coating it, to insulate from the harsh conditions of their habitat

Grey great owl sitting on a branch in a tree looking to the left IMAGE: Allie McGregor 2023

How we're helping

Like all the animals in our care, our great grey owls are amazing ambassadors for their relatives in the wild and help hundreds of thousands of people connect with nature every year. They encourage visitors to learn about the threats facing wildlife and the action they can take to help create a world where nature is protected, valued, and loved.

As a wildlife conservation charity, we care for the animals here at the park and work to protect species at risk around the world. From providing expertise in genetics and veterinary health to protecting wild places with local conservation partners, and even restoring threatened species to the wild, we are active where we are needed most.

Find out more about RZSS conservation