Species: Barred owl (Strix varia)
Intake Date: March of 2017
Vara was our resident Barred Owl (Strix varia) and was found in Tuscola, Ill. She presented to the Wildlife Medical Clinic in March of 2017 as an adult unable to fly. After medical tests, it was determined that she had an old fracture near the shoulder. Due to the proximity to the joint and the age of the injury, she was not a candidate for surgery. She was sent to the local raptor facility to be flight test, as she appeared to be non-painful and otherwise healthy. Unfortunately, she was returned after being deemed non-flighted and therefore non-releasable. Due to her unusually calm and docile personality, she was accepted into the ambassador program, where she served to educate members of the public on owl behavior and wildlife conservation in general. Her small team of trainers were committed to ensuring that she always felt comfortable and secure. Her name came from the scientific name and has Latin origins, meaning “different” or “stranger.” As she grew older, Vara’s behavior changed and indicated that her wing injury had become painful. Despite our best efforts, we could not manage pain associated with this injury. She chronically overgroomed that wing to the point that it prohibited her from flying. Because of this, we saw increased anxiety with her and an overall decline in her quality of life. After close monitoring and many discussions, the WMC faculty, staff, and ambassador coordinators made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize Vara. She will be greatly missed by the Ambassador team and all that met her.