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Aviary's New Owlet Set To Make Public Debut

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The National Aviary is celebrating a new addition.

A baby Eurasian Eagle Owl has hatched. It is the first of its kind to be born at the Aviary.

The growing 4-week-old owl is a welcome addition at the Aviary. On Wednesday, she'll make her public debut.

Hatched on March 13 and about the size of an apple, she's almost three pounds and growing every day. In fact, the owlet will be a full grown adult in just about a month.

"She's getting in her flight feathers, and so, in the next two weeks she'll be learning how to fly," said Cathy Schlott, of the National Aviary.

She is still without a name as trainers fear getting attached to the little one. It's a possibility she may be transferred to another facility one day.

The only viable egg out of three, she is being hand-raised and carefully cared for as she is taking brave new steps.

"If you hand raise them, they get used to people, they're not afraid. They make great education program animals. We can take them out and educate the public, but they still have their owl instincts," Schlott said. "They're still able to go and live with another owl and breed. They still know that they're an owl, even though they're hand raised."

The owlet's uncle, Gandoff, also lives at the Aviary.

Since females are typically bigger than males, the new little owlet is expected to one day have a bigger wing span than her uncle and weigh about a third more.

"It's not often you get to see babies. They grow so fast," said Schlott. "And in the wild, it's hard to spot them; they're up in their nest. Anytime you get to see something grow, it's a unique experience."

Starting Wednesday, she'll have two public appearances daily until May 24.

RELATED LINKS:
More National Aviary News
More Reports from Heather Abraham

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