Masked Owl - Nswfmpa.org

7.5 ReleaseMichael Randy of Featherdale Wildlife Parkrecommends releasing Masked Owls first thing inthe morning so that the owl can be checked on bykeepers throughout the day. Masked Owls should bereleased as close to the front end of enclosure aspossible and facing owl towards back of enclosure,away from feed stumps, low perches or otherobstacles owls can fly into.If releasing owl from hand either simply release yourgrip and allow owl to fly away or place owl on theground facing towards the back of exhibit close to door so handler can back out of exhibitquickly.7.6 Transport RequirementsThe EAPA standards for Exhibiting Raptors, Transport Requirements are that transportcontainers do not allow entry of light except through ventilation holes. Ventilation holesshould be pierced around the lower half on all sides of container about 10cm aboveinternal floor height and be about 7.5cm apart. Two holes should be pierced on all sidesof container/box 10cm below internal roof height.The transport container/box should be at least 30cm longer and wider than the length ofbird from beak to tail tip and provide at least 15cm head clearance for bird.If there is no perch in the container/box the floor should be lined firmly with a resistantmaterial which will provide grip for owls talons; I recommend the use of astro-turf.In situations where owl will not be traveling with an experienced handler, the transportcontainer must be clearly marked ‘LIVE ANIMAL, HANDLE WITH CARE, THISWAY UP, and KEEP COOL’.Owls must not be subjected to temperatures greater than 30 degrees or less than 10degrees Celsius during transport.7.6.1 Box DesignMasked Owl comes under container requirement 20 of the IATA Live AnimalsRegulations book.The container should be made of wood, hardwood, non-toxic plastic, fiberglass andsynthetics, weld mesh and strong plastic mesh.The frame should be of solid wood, either screwed or nailed and glued with non-toxicglue.The sides of the container must be either wood or hardboard. The front must be doublewith the outer layer of a strong plastic mesh with a distance of 4-5cm between them.The floor must be solid and leak proof and may be covered with carpeting s bird can get afirm foothold.The roof must be padded with a soft non destructible padding.29