Win a free pass for park
Blair Drummond Safari Park’s newest fluffy resident, a European eagle owl chick named Benedict, has been made to feel at home in a keeper’s house ahead of his safari park debut.
The fledgling, which has been named Benedict after Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch because of its inquisitive nature, arrived at the Scottish Safari Park in April.
Through the day Benedict has been living in the bird of prey centre in the safari park, and at night he’s been in the homes of his keepers as part of the hand-rearing process.
Bird of prey keeper Dominic King said: “Imprinting, or hand rearing, is an important process which allows close bonds to form between the keeper and the chick, and also desensitises the bird to everyday disturbances that may otherwise scare it.
“There are three keepers in the bird of prey team and we’ve been taking it turn about to take Benedict home.”
The six-and-a-half week old chick is now preparing to fly for the first time and will be making his debut soon at the safari park’s bird of prey flying demonstrations.The displays are one of the most popular attractions at the safari park. The half-hour show is included in the price of admission and takes place three times a day.
The Stirling Observer has teamed up with the safari park again to offer readers the chance to win a family pass each week.
This week’s question is: What type of bird is Benedict? Send your answers, along with your name, address and contact number to: Safari Park Competition, Stirling Observer, 34 Upper Craigs, Stirling, FK8 2DW.
Usual Trinity Mirror rules apply. Deadline is Monday, May 14, at 4pm.