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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

In brief: Flyaway eagle owl recaptured by Tacoma zoo

From Staff And Wire Reports

Officials at a Tacoma zoo said a trained Eurasian eagle owl that became spooked and flew off into a nearby park has been spotted and captured.

A Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium spokeswoman said Forrest the owl was hungry but safe after his capture Friday afternoon in Point Defiance Park, the Tacoma News Tribune reported. The owl is trained to fly during performances of the zoo’s outdoor theater. Staffers were rehearsing a new show when Forrest flew off Wednesday afternoon. They think he was startled by changes made to the stage. He’s trained to fly during performances and then return.

Spokeswoman Kris Sherman said searchers looked in an area of the park where “hooting” had been heard Thursday.

Winds gusted as high as 70 mph in the park Thursday night, knocking down large trees.

Proposed instream flows will be discussed

An open house on proposed instream flows for the Spokane River takes place May 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the CenterPlace Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley.

Department of Ecology officials plan to establish instream flows for the river in Spokane County and part of Stevens County. Instream flows are similar to a water right, and restrict new water withdrawals when flows reach a certain threshold.

For more information, visit www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/rules/557-docs.html.