Tyto the Owl Escapes From Fort Worth Zoo

Zoo staffers say owl is safe, back at home

A female owl that escaped from the Fort Worth Zoo Sunday is safe and back home.

Tyto, a free-flying bird used in a stage show for children called the Lone Star Mystery, was caught by a burst of wind that carried her above a canopy on top of the stage, zoo officials said, and away from the zoo.

On Monday, the zoo said they were confident the missing owl remained close to home, and they were right. On Tuesday, a person who lives south of the zoo heard "yelling" coming from a Blue Jay and investigated the ruckus. 

In the tree, with the Jay, the resident spotted a white owl.

The resident notified the zoo who sent caretakers out to investigate.  They arrived and, after learning the owl was sleeping, decided to place some food on the ground to encourage her to come out of the tree.  

When Tyto awoke, she swept down for the food and was captured by the caretakers.

Zoo officials said Tyto lost about 10 grams of weight, which is normal for a day, but is healthy and in good shape.

Tyto is three years old and has spent her entire life at the zoo.

NBC 5's Frank Heinz contributed to this report.

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