Raptor Refuge in Tasmania
The Tasmanian Masked Owl is the largest owl of the Tytonidae family of owls, which includes all barn owl and bay owl species. They are significantly larger than typical Barn Owls, and have chestnut colored faces, females typically being darker.
This pair of owls had been featured in an ABC News story for their animal ambassador work.
Painting workshops at raptor refuge offer different sort of muse in Tasmanian masked owls
Check out the whole article to learn more. Some choice quotes are below.
Raptor Refuge is a not-for-profit centre specialising in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of Tasmanian birds of prey.
Senior keeper Juliet Harlow and volunteer Kate Shaw facilitate painting workshops on site, with life models that look and sound different from usual painting muses.
Tasmanian masked owls Montgomery and Bently, who sit for workshops, are key to the creative pursuit.
More than painting and fundraising, the workshops help educate about the endangered owl and other raptors in Tasmania.
“It’s a great way to get people out to the refuge and really understand these birds,” Ms Harlow said.
Captive bred, then hand-reared at the refuge Montgomery and Bently cannot be released due to their familiarity with humans.
The siblings are in permanent care at the refuge as injured Tasmanian masked owls.
“People can’t get up close and touch them, or get in their space because they are still wild animals,” Ms Harlow said.
“They’re raptors. You don’t want to shake hands with them — very sharp feet.”