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Widowed owl finds love in time for Christmas

Birdworld A white owl with brown spots sat on a log. The owl has yellow eyes and is staring at the camera. There is green grass around the log. Birdworld
Moose has been matched with a new partner

Moose, a widowed snowy owl from Surrey, has been paired with a new partner.

The seven-year-old owl, who lives at Birdworld, Farnham, has been matched by keepers with 20-year-old Elk, a single male from Yorkshire.

Polly Bramham, living collections manager at the zoo, said: "Moose ran up to Elk, nudged his face with hers, and then casually returned to her favourite tree stump to observe from a distance."

The pairing comes a few months after Moose's long-term partner, Kettle, died after an ongoing illness.

Birdworld Two snowy owls sitting together. They are both white with brown spots and have yellow eyes. The owl on the left has fewer spots. Birdworld
Kettle (left) and Moose (right) were together for six years

“Kettle and Moose were together for six years and had a wonderful relationship; they kept the keepers both entertained and on their toes," said Ms Bramham.

Kettle was described by the zoo as attentive, protective and "a firm favourite among keepers and visitors alike".

Birdworld has created an educational character, Professor Kettle, in his memory which can be seen across the park.

The zoo said Moose is now happily moving on with her new partner and they hope the relationship will lead to successful breeding in 2025.

Birdworld A close up of a white own with dark yellow eyes and a black beak. Birdworld
Elk is 20 years old and from Yorkshire

Birdworld general manager James Robson said everyone was "delighted to see Moose beginning a new chapter".

Birdworld opened in 1968 and is one of the largest bird parks in the country.

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