Missing owl found at Audley

Gizmo the owl basking in the sun

 A rare owl that went missing from his aviary in Witney two weeks ago has been spotted in the grounds of the New Mill this week.

Gizmo, a Peruvian striped owl, spent most of yesterday morning perched on the weir outside of the atrium and seemed to be enjoying his now-found freedom so much that he decided to fly away when animal rescue were called! Not even Gizmo’s owner, Wayne Smith, could tempt the owl into returning home and a repeat effort to catch the bird had to be made today.

At six months old, Gizmo belongs to Mr Smith’s daughter and had only been with the family three months before escaping on Tuesday 15th June. Despite being bred in captivity he was looking healthy and it is assumed he has been hunting for himself.

 We hope Gizmo returns to his family very soon.