Zig the eagle owl escapes after storm damage in Cornwall

An eagle owl named Zig is 'on the run' in Cornwall after his aviary blew down in wind.

The Bengal eagle owl has been at the Cornish Birds of Prey Centre at Winnards Perch near Padstow for ten years. Staff think he was about four years old when they rescued him and his mate. His partner, who was older than him has since died but Zig seemed very comfortable in his aviary until Wednesday night, 6 February.

Zig is not kept as a flying bird but seems to have taken to the wing in the wild.

The centre put out an appeal for its wayward charge and was rewarded with a sighting at a nearby farm yesterday, Thursday 7 February. Staff tried to catch him but Zig evaded them. Centre owner Andy Grigg was called out at 4.30 am this morning after another sighting in a hedge on the Wadebridge Road but when he got there the runaway bird had vanished.

They think he is probably hiding out in woods near the centre.

Zig the eagle owl enjoying a paddle in his Cornish home. Credit: Cornish Birds of Prey Centre

Andy Grigg says Zig has enough weight on him to survive for some time in the wild. He also hopes that the rain forecast will keep his feathers heavy and stop him flying too far away.

The Griggs just hope they can bring Zig home soon.