Beau, the Barn Owl

Beau was born in captivity on the 17th of April 2014 and is a very much loved member of the family of his owners, Susan and Sean, who are huge nature and wildlife lovers. He also shares his home in East Sussex with four cats and a Siberian husky, all of whom have learnt that Beau is top dog, cat and bird; he certainly rules the roost!

Beau’s favourite pastime is hiding the cats’ toys up so high that they cannot possibly retrieve them…   He then picks a perch with the best view and sits waiting for the cats to notice that their toys have been pinched – yet again.  He makes chuckling sounds as he watches the cats’ poor attempts to retrieve their precious toys.  Surprisingly, they forgive his mischief and he can be found soon afterwards in their cat bed cuddled up, asleep in a huddle of purring fur.

Beau also visits the aged with Susan, as a “pet therapy” animal for dementia patients.  He enjoys the attention that his arrival causes.  His favourite client is a 105 years young lady, called Alice.  He will sit on the arm of her chair for hours, as she tells him the same stories from the war repeatedly.  He’s a welcome visitor to disabled children also, offering regular play dates with both the severely disabled and those with learning disabilities.  Beau brings out the nurturing side of all, young and old, whether they have the ability to communicate with him or not,  However, all those he visits regularly eventually do find a way to communicate with him.

When Beau is not providing companionship for a charitable cause, he enjoys staying at home.  He loves his very own 10ft x 8ft aviary outside, but he often lets himself back into the house via the cat flap and can be found either back in bed with the cats, or watching TV from his window perch.   He may sound very cute and endearing, but Beau is one bundle of feathers with attitude.  When told off, he will stomp his feet and mutter sounds as if to answer you back. This little barn owl has a very cheeky personality, with an attitude to match.