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Saturday, January 13, 2024

Saving the Spotted Owl: Zalea's Story. A true story, written by Nicola Jones and illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey. Kids Can Press, 2023. $21.99 ages 8 and up

 



"Jasmine knew that Zalea would need to 
be raised by owls in order to learn how to 
survive and thrive. The morning after the 
little owl chick's arrival, she was introduced 
to her foster parents, Amore and Sedin. They 
were a pair of spotted owls with no chicks of 
their own. 
Amore and Sedin were and still are a very 
strongly bonded pair. Jasmine often sees 
them sitting together, grooming each other's 
feathers.
"

In this true story readers who are interested in knowing more about a northern spotted owl whose life changes in moments, will find Zalea's story quite intriguing. Her fall from the home tree results in her parents not being able to get her back to the family's nest, leaving her vulnerable to predators. 

Luckily, Zalea is rescued, before anything can happen to her, by wildlife biologists who happen upon her. Her new home is the Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Centre in Langley, British Columbia. As a threatened species, she is cared for with other owls until she can be released back to the wild. Her care is exemplary; the biologists eventually help her find a mate. 

This is an interesting and compelling account concerning the life cycle of owls, a look at conserving vulnerable species, and protecting the habitats that house them. As happens in the best kind of nonfiction, the design of the book provides sidebars and information boxes that add to the story being told. Charming and detailed artwork adds context and included photographs of Zalea's growth are most welcome. 

Back matter appends a useful glossary, an author's note, links to finding webcams that allow readers to support a breeding program, and an index. 

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