APPLE VALLEY, Minn. — Unfortunately for the little guys, the phrase "survival of the fittest" still applies at the Minnesota Zoo.
An inspection by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) revealed that a Eurasian Eagle Owl escaped its handler during a flight training session for a bird show on April 29. Instead of returning to its handler, the owl landed in an outdoor tiger enclosure where a tiger killed it.
The MN Zoo spokesperson says animal welfare is a top priority, and they are working closely with its free flight bird training partner to review policies and procedures.
In the report, Ag officials said the zoo must adjust its training program for bird shows so a similar incident doesn't occur again.
In addition to the owl death, USDA officials advised that the zoo also correct its plan for caring for the animals during disasters or emergencies, and its pest control approach near the supply of bagged animal feed.
A fence inside the camel enclosure was also listed as an issue but was marked resolved at the time of inspection.
This isn't the first loss of a Eurasian Eagle Owl by the MN Zoo. In 2021, social media was buzzing over a post by the MN Zoo about a missing owl, known as Gladys. She was a beloved ambassador of her species in the bird show, the MN Zoo posted. She escaped the zoo and was found later near a road injured. Gladys died from her injuries.