ERNIE the owl is looking forward to a well-earned retirement.
The African Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, with his whopping wingspan of 165 cm, has entertained visitors to Warwick Castle for the last 30 years.
Ernie has flown, on average, twice a day, every day for the past three decades – around 20,000 flights soaring and swooping around the castle’s turrets
His most recent career highlight was with The Falconer’s Quest, the UK’s largest bird of prey show.
Ernie will be performing in his final flight during the Easter holidays before retiring to the Yorkshire Dales, where he will be able to spread his wings and fly freely with the company Hawk Experience, who organise the bird handling at Warwick Castle.
Castle general manager Liam Bartlett said “Ernie is a much-loved ‘member of staff’. He has a big personality, is often stubborn and likes to freestyle his shows, but that’s why we love him!
“We’re excited for him to spend his twilight years in the stunning Yorkshire Dales with other feathered friends.”
