Zeus is a very special owl.
He is blind in both eyes and was found injured on a porch in California. A local vet referred him to the Wildlife Learning Center Sylmar, California, where his new family named the Western Screech Owl Zeus. In Greek mythology Zeus is god of the sky, which seemed the perfect name for an owl with such mesmerizing eyes. He has lived at the Wildlife Learning Center since 2012.
Because he is blind, Zeus can’t be released back into the wild. But he is thriving at the center as a result of the care and attention he is receiving from a team of dedicated animal lovers.
WLC Cofounders, Paul Hahn and David Riherd, say they have never seen anything like this unique “starry” appearance in an animals’ eyes. This dear little owl’s starry eyes are the result of clots of protein and blood pigment, but he also has cataracts. His condition is probably the result of an attack by a predator, but it’s possible he also had a flying accident. He only has around 10% of his vision.
People often mistake him for a stuffed animal because he is so calm and peaceful. People have just about been moved to tears upon meeting Zeus.
