By Isobel Williams via SWNS
Birdkeepers are delighted after a widowed snowy owl found love again with a “handsome” bachelor – just in time for Christmas.
Moose, a seven-year-old owl residing at Birdworld in Farnham, Surrey, faced life alone after her partner, Kettle, sadly passed away due to an ongoing illness.
However, keepers matched Moose with twenty-year-old Elk, a single male from Yorkshire who had been seeking a mate for years.
After a carefully orchestrated introduction, the birds have shown promising signs of compatibility, sparking hopes that they might have a successful breeding next year.
Polly Bramham, living collections manager at Birdworld, said: “We were thrilled to find the incredibly handsome Elk, who we introduced to Moose as her neighbor before they were finally put in the same enclosure.
“Partnering new mates can be a nerve-racking experience for keepers, especially when there’s potential for conflict. Fortunately, we were confident Moose and Elk’s laid-back personalities would allow for a smooth introduction.
“They didn’t disappoint – Moose ran up to Elk, nudged his face with hers, and then casually returned to her favorite tree stump to observe from a distance.
“Elk explored his new home, even settling into Kettle’s old spot, as though stepping right into his shoes.”
Kettle and Moose had been together for six years and even successfully hatched chicks in 2022.
Although their chicks didn’t survive, these early attempts were crucial in strengthening their bond and helping Moose mature.
Sadly, their love story was cut short when Kettle passed away this summer- which keepers say was a huge loss.
Polly added: “Kettle and Moose were together for six years and had a wonderful relationship; they kept the keepers both entertained and on their toes.
“Kettle was a firm favorite among keepers and visitors alike. Never shy, he would sit prominently in his enclosure, giving passersby an intense, yellow-eyed stare.
“If he spotted his keeper, he’d add a friendly ‘Hoo!’ and head bob. He was an attentive partner, always bringing Moose gifts of food and fiercely protecting her during nesting season.
“Despite our devastation at losing Kettle, we knew it was important to find a suitable mate for Moose as part of our Snowy Owl breeding program.”
General manager James Robson added: “We’re delighted to see Moose beginning a new chapter with Elk.
“We’re equally pleased to pay tribute to Kettle, whose namesake now features in the park’s latest attraction, the Owl Academy, as ‘Professor Kettle,’ guiding children through learning and play.
“Kettle was such a beloved character at Birdworld, and it’s heartwarming to know that his memory will continue to inspire and educate others.”
