Goliath

Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops asio)

Goliath

​(? - March 24, 2019)

Sadly, our beautiful Screech Owl Ambassador, Goliath, was only with us for a short time. Soon after coming to the Secret Garden, Goliath’s health began to fail. We did all we could to help him and for a while he seemed to be improving. But over time he became very weak and unable to stand or perch. After consulting with our veterinarian, we were forced to make the very difficult decision that everyone who cares for an animal must face at one time or another. We will always remember Goliath and miss the little “hooo” he gave when he got his evening mouse. He will always be in our hearts. We are happy for time he spent with us and the joy he gave to everyone he met.

Goliath’s story is an unusual one. He was found by the side of a road, apparently the victim of a predator. Many of his feathers had been pulled out and scattered, but he had somehow managed to escape with his life. Unfortunately, while flying free during his rehabilitation, he fractured his wing. Although the break wasn’t bad, and x-rays showed that it healed well, he was no longer able to fly. That meant a life in captivity for Goliath and we were delighted to welcome him into the Secret Garden Birds and Bees family. He had a great personality and was the center of attention at many programs. People couldn’t get enough of his big bright yellow eyes!

We don’t know exactly why his health declined. Wild animals like Goliath are good at hiding pain and weakness, often until it’s too late. There could have been undetected damage from his injuries that gradually worsened. It might just be that he was old, and this was his time. There’s no way to know the age of a screech owl. But at least we know that he had a good life at the Secret Garden, was loved, and brought smiles - and an increased awareness of the wildlife around us - to lots of people.