DAYTON — Earlier this year, Five Rivers MetroParks hosted a public vote for the name of their newest animal ambassador, a screech owl.
After tallying nearly 300 votes, the results are in, and the owl’s name is now Juniper.
Juniper was rescued by Animal Care Alliance in Richmond, Ind. She had incurable injuries to her left eye, which needed to be removed in the end, and she could not return to the wild. She is fully flighted and settling into her enclosure at Germantown MetroPark. Juniper is a second year bird, meaning she hatched in 2024.
Juniper is fully flighted and is adapting to her new enclosure in Germantown MetroPark’s new flight cages, which are adjacent to the Twin Valley Trail Welcome Center. She is a second-year bird, which means she hatched just last year.
"She is still a little wild yet but is calm and curious when on the hand and will be a beautiful addition to our education program," the parks said.
Juniper will join MetroParks staff at various events to help educate the public about native wildlife and habitats.
Several dates are coming this year where visitors can meet her, including:
- Passport to MetroParks: May 30 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at RiverScape MetroPark
- Small Farm & Food Fest: Aug. 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Carriage Hill MetroPark
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