The Oregon Zoo has a couple of white, fluffy new arrivals: a pair of snowy owls named Rocky and Banff.
Snowy owls are threatened by habitat loss due to climate change, the zoo says. They’re especially vulnerable to threats from human development like car collisions, wind turbines and airplanes as they migrate.
The zoo says visitors can find Rocky and Banff in the North America area near the mountain goats and black bears.
Banff, a male, has feathers that are bright white. Rocky, who is female, has feathers that white with a dark bar pattern
“Snowy owls are known for their striking appearance, and Rocky and Banff are no exception,” said Jennifer Osburn Eliot in a statement. She oversees the zoo’s North America area.
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The zoo says snowy owls spend a lot of time on the ground, perching on rocks or logs. They are also active during the day, unlike many other types of owls.
Rocky and Banff were moved to the zoo based on a recommendation by the Species Survival Plan for snowy owls. The zoo says that’s a cooperative program among accredited zoos to promote genetically diverse, self-sustaining populations of at-risk species.
