The avian flu is a real and scary concern, but Moose Javians can still come out and support the Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre (SBOIC) for its May 21 Family Fun Day, said caretaker Lori Johnson.
The SBOIC’s official season opening will be May 21 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Locals who love the charming little owls can help support the centre while enjoying activities such as a bouncy castle, local magician, face painting, and bubble stations. A hot dog and beverage are also included.
Tickets will be $10 at the SBOIC gate — no pre-purchase necessary. A family package of five tickets will also be available for $35.
“We do use it as a bit of a fundraiser for centre,” Johnson said. “So all the funds that we raise through the gate admission go right back into the care and upkeep of the owls and supporting our educational programming.”
Whether visitors will be able to see the owls in person is still up for debate, unfortunately.
“Our veterinary team has been recommending that we keep the birds off of public display,” Johnson said. “We don’t know how long that’s going to last.”
Raptor species like owls are quite susceptible to the strain of avian influenza (H5N1) currently spreading across Canada, Johnson explained. And in most cases, once the birds have contracted the flu, there’s no cure.
H5N1 has a high mortality rate for raptors and the SBOIC doesn’t want to take any chances.
The virus is transmissible through contact with infected birds, so as long as the burrowing owls are kept inside their risk should be minimal.
People can transmit the virus if they’ve been in contact with infected birds. Shoes and clothing are the main culprits.
“One thing we’re going to be asking is that people who have any contact with domestic poultry flocks, like chickens or turkeys and ducks and geese, we’re going to have them either postpone their visit or we’re going to ask them to change out their shoes and clothing before they visit,” Johnson said.
People looking for other ways to support the owls can turn to the SBOIC’s adopt-an-owl program. The program has been going strong for 24 years now, giving residents a way to help feed and support the centre’s 11 burrowing owls (and one short-eared owl).
It costs $50 to adopt a burrowing owl for six months, $100 for one year, and $175 for two years.
The one- and two-year subscription packages include a certificate with details about the adopted owl. Givers also receive a picture, an extra photo for framing, a burrowing owl fact sheet, two postcards, and a stuffed plush toy.
Donations can also be made directly. One hundred per cent of donations go to support the owls.
Browse the options at skburrowingowl.ca/adopt-an-owl/.
