Owl ends his self-imposed exile

Eagle Owls are "killing machines", says the zoo

An Eagle Owl which went missing from Bristol Zoo for more than a week has turned up "safe and well".

The owl, known as Olly the Eagle, disappeared when he was let free during a flying demonstration on 3 October.

Rick Newton, from Bristol Zoo, said: "Something freaked him out and he just disappeared, to be chased by magpies and crows out of the zoo.

"The myth of the wise old owl is just that: they are killing machines who just think about food in the wild."

Olly, who has flown away from the zoo on a number of occasions, was finally spotted near Clifton Down in the city on Monday.

Zoo staff had said they believed he could survive in the wild, but admit they are relieved he has been returned to them.