Just like Bonnie and Clyde, “Owl” Capone was able to find his partner in crime.
Shiloh, a female barred owl, recently joined Capone as the second addition to Roan Mountain State Park’s Bird of Prey Aviary home.
The exhibit, which become active in May with the addition of Capone, was a two-year process, according to Roan Mountain State Park Manager J.R. Tinch.
“It was a lot of work to get this done,” he said. “But it has been great. Everyone has been really receptive of the birds and we’re glad to have them here.”
Roan Mountain State Park’s exhibit was a long haul but worth it in the long run, Tinch added, who spearheaded the program. The manager first started working with birds seven years ago at the Tims Ford State Park in Franklin County.
Throughout the process of creation, the housing received support locally with $1,000 being raised from the Friends of Roan Mountain organization.
The enclosure, which is 12-foot-by-12-foot, is used to house the birds deemed non-releasable due to injuries sustained and being unable to fly.
Capone was struck by a car in West Tennessee, and has one wing noticeably shorter than the other. Shiloh, who stayed inside the enclosure, was brought to the park in June after being struck by a vehicle in the state of Texas.
Along with the addition of Shiloh, two signs, created in Johnson City, were installed this week in the front of the enclosure to help provide information on the enclosure itself and Capone, Tinch said. Another sign will be coming soon to provide a backstory on Shiloh.
Tinch and ranger Will Miller were both on hand at the exhibit to spend time with the owls. To help the birds, rangers spend time with the aviaries for the adjustment of the new environment, being ready for spectators and cleaning the exhibit. The owls have also been an extra addition to some of the programs offered at the park.
For the future, Tinch joked that the housing has one more “vacancy” available and added that the park is looking to bring in a red-tailed hawk.
The aviary is currently open and the park encourages attendees to stop by and visit the feathered friends of Roan Mountain.