'Captivating' barn owl dies at Andover's Hawk Conservancy
Delta has passed away at the age of 11
Last updated 5th Jul 2024
One of the barn owls at North West Hampshire's Hawk Conservancy Trust has died, aged 11.
Delta was part of the famous flying displays at the Weyhill bird of prey centre up until a few months ago.
She was being treated for a heart condition in her later years and had seen a decline in her overall health.
Barn owls live for an average of just four years in the wild, so reaching the age of 11 is a decent achievement.
In a statement, the Hawk Conservancy said:
"Many of you will remember Delta from her captivating and mesmerising appearances with her brother, Charlie, as she flew across Reg’s Wildflower Meadow, on summer afternoons and evenings – a memorable and emotive moment for many. Delta will also be remembered for her quartering flights in the Woodland Arena, gracefully floating in and out of the trees. On occasion, she would also wander off to catch her own lunch in the Savannah Arena during the Woodland Owls display!
"Over the years, she has been a special part of some couples’ weddings at the Trust and her legacy will live on in their photographs and memories. As a UK species, she has been a real ambassador in inspiring young and old to care for the wildlife on our doorsteps and the work we do to conserve Barn Owls.
"Whilst we were aware that heart failure was a possibility, we are still saddened to see her go. She peacefully passed away at the Trust. The team here will miss her, she has been a part of many of their lives for so long."