Saving the Spotted Owl: Zalea’s Story

British Columbia’s Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Centre is the focal point of this real-life adventure of Zalea. The chick was likely to become a prowling predator’s meal if not rescued after a fall from her nest hole high in a tree. Instead, she became a perfect breeding candidate for the rehabilitation facility working to raise endangered spotted owl chicks for reintroduction to the wild. This nonfiction book traces Zalea’s journey to a new life with foster parents at the Centre, and on to adulthood when she produced chicks of her own. Interspersed through Zalea’s specific story are details about her species (with some history of the decline in this owl’s population) and endangered species, about the breeding centre, about wildlife biologists who study living things, how eggs are incubated and chicks cared for up to the time they can be released.

Those facts are well presented with thorough explanations and animated illustrations that will enhance a reader’s understanding. Reference is made to both viewpoints about controversial logging restrictions enacted to protect the endangered owls. Details about Zalea’s foster family and some of the other resident owls at the Centre, along with specifics of the care given to her eggs to ensure the best possible outcome, add interest and show the degree of dedication of the staff. A description of the success of four other breeding centres for various animals around the world offers good context for the BC centre’s mission. The stories of this work could be inspirational for youngsters who have a desire to care for nature.

Zalea’s personal story, too, is engaging, through the carefully detailed rescue process. The double-spread photo album of owls in the Centre, with comments that sum up Zalea’s life and extended family, is appealing. However, the writing suffers from wordiness and passive voice in spots (e.g. there were fewer than just 10 in the wild), and occasional redundancy (e.g. The biologists carefully picked up the little owl….They scooped her up into a cardboard box). Details about the owl’s specific habitat are repeated on successive pages 7 and 8. Tightening these elements would make the reading livelier and speed the pace.

No list of resources is provided, but a website and social media sites for the Northern Owl Spotted Breeding Centre can be found on the last page. As well, readers who are intrigued by this highly endangered owl’s story will be pleased to note some profits from book sales will go to the Centre’s programs.