Hello, my name is Zola. I’m a female African Wood Owl. I hatched on 1st May 2014. My Latin name is Strix Woodfordii.
Zola is an African name from the Zulu word meaning ‘peaceful’ or ‘quiet’ – perfect for an owl as we fly silently in order to catch our prey.
I have a distinctive blue, nictitating membrane that closes protectively over my eye when I pounce on my prey.
I like to nest in tree holes or on the ground underneath a fallen log, in forests, woodland or plantations, from sea level up to around 3,700m (12,140 feet).
My diet in the wild consists mostly of large insects, as well as small rodents, birds, lizards and frogs. I like to hunt from a perch, watching my prey before swooping to strike.