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One morning, someone in Southern California found an injured owl on their porch. It turned out to be a blind Western screech owl with eyes that look like a starry night. After a visit to the vet, the blind owl found a new permanent home at the Wildlife Learning Center in Sylmar, California. He was named “Zeus” after the Greek god of sky and thunder because of his stunning, big eyes.
Zeus was injured when he was found on that front porch in South California, but the dedicated team of animal lovers at the center helped him on his feet again. Since the cute owl was blind, they couldn’t simply release him back into the wild, so he now lives in a trunk on the filing cabinet next to Wildlife Learning Center founder Paul Hahn’s desk. Hahn responded to Bored Panda’s questions about Zeus, so read on for more information and beautiful owl pictures.
More info: wildlifelearningcenter.com | Facebook (h/t: ilostpoints)
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This is Zeus, a blind starry-eyed owl who currently lives at the Wildlife Learning Center, Sylmar, California
The little guy was found lying on a front porch near the Wildlife Center. He flew into the wall of a house and hit his head
“He was found emaciated and blind in front of someone’s house in Central California,” Hahn told Bored Panda.
The poor fella was scared, but otherwise undamaged. They discovered that the cause of his accident was his blindness
“Zeus exudes a very peaceful presence and is very calm. He has a very big personality and exhibits a bit of a curious nature”
They couldn’t simply release him into the dangerous wild so they kept him in the Center
“A veterinary ophthalmologist thoroughly examined him, brought him back to health, and deemed him nonreleasable because he only has about 10% of his vision and would not be able survive in the wild on his own”
Since he had mesmerizing starry eyes, they named him Zeus, the God of the Sky
“His general condition is a capsular cataract, the white flecks that glisten in his eyes are caused by unique fibrin/blood pigment clots. These pigments cause a unique starry-eyed look, for which he is well known, hence the name Zeus”
Now Zeus is a full-time resident of Wildlife Learning Center, bringing happiness to every visitor
“He is so camouflaged most people don’t notice him until we point him out. Many other people see him but believe he is a stuffed animal because he is so calm and peaceful. When he wakes and opens his eyes, people gasp. We have had people almost in tears when he reveals his peepers”
He even has a toy friend and loves Halloween!
“It is really special that Zeus’ disability is causing so many people to be aware and care for screech owls and our environment everywhere. He truly is an ambassador to his species”
Zeuss is very friendly and loves to be near people, so if you’re ever in California, be sure to visit him and his friends in the Wildlife Learning Center
If you liked Zeus’s story, be sure to visit the Wildlife Learning Center’s web page to see the amazing work that they do with animals
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What do you think ?
HeatherJones 11 years ago
Seeing this beauty constrained saddens me :( I wish he had his vision to do what he was born to do, fly freely <3
JanaLybarger 11 years ago
A sanctuary like this is the difference between life and death for animals with defects. To call them constrained is cruel.
Load More Replies...
dodgerbluexiii 11 years ago
The one word that fills my mind and describes every single aspect of this story to me is the word BEAUTIFUL.
DavidHarris 11 years ago
Having held owls, this little fellow is beautiful. I am glad he is being so well cared for.
KarenPottruff 11 years ago
I think the people who care for Zeus at the sanctuary are wonderful.
SamCook 11 years ago
It's looks like it could be something Asteroid Hyalosis.
Load More Replies...
normawiyninger 10 years ago
You are blessed :), Im so jealous, Lol,if I ever can make it to California, first place to go is to visit Zeus!
Load More Replies...
PhyllisAdelleSherer 11 years ago
He is so gorgeous! Thank God someone found him before he was killed by another animal. Thank you for caring for him! Keep sharing his info!
JanaMalderle 11 years ago
So great. These are people with a heart of gold. Thank you for doing such a great job. :))
SarahMaher 11 years ago
He's beautiful and it's fantastic that he's safe now but how did he get to be blind I wonder, he obviously started out with sight.
AlfredoPagnotta 11 years ago
The eyes look like a starry sky most likely just because of their blindness! Fascinating! It's beautiful!
FayVallies 11 years ago
I would have named him Cosmos or Universe or Galaxy something along those lines he is beautiful
Dawid Elting 6 years ago (edited)
He is blind but has a gift no other owl has. He is blessed.. although he sadly does not know. Sadly i do not live in Californië or USA otherwise I would love to visit him🤩💪⭐
RE Gullion 7 years ago
For Zeus his vision IS normal, as he was born visually impaired. Fortunately, Zeus was rescued and is much beloved, well cared for, and serves as one of the Wildlife's Learning Center's favorite ambassadors. One does not miss what one has never known. You are, of course, most welcome to your opinion. My perspective emerged when I lost my vision for ten years. A remarkable surgeon, who performed surgeries throughout the world, took my case. I have better vision NOW than I have ever had. However, when I was totally blind, I kept wondering if I had been born blind, how would someone describe color to me... . So, in my opinion, Zeus has traits I wish all of us had. Zeus trusts that he will never be harmed, and he doesn't need to see to feel a caring touch. Moreover, he does not need to be fearful of the hordes of joyful voices surrounding him! Zeus just believes the world is kind and generous, just as he is.
Vesela Delianova 7 years ago
Zeus is now a rock star. :) His beautiful eyes are on The Flying detachment album cover. See the attached photo or go to https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheFlyingDetachment/photos/?ref=page_internal. :) 41418415_1...ea251f.jpg 
normawiyninger 10 years ago
Beautiful creation! All of gods creations are truly made for a special and very important reason ! This little guy is going to teach us as people more than we can possibly comprehend for many years to come !If I can make it to California someday ,Zeus will be the first animals i want to visit! God willing I will get healthy enough too visit him soon!! He looks so happy ,bless you that have taken care of and have shared Zeus with the world! !!
karenmcardle 10 years ago
Amazing , his eyes are a story in them selves , Thanks for sharing such a wonderful majestic Owl
LIsleCaromba 11 years ago
And now he is creating awareness. Wow! Sounds corny, but sort of makes you feel that out of every bad thing, something good happens.
Fiercefireball 11 years ago
~The eyes are the gateway to the soul... His soul is the very galaxy it's self! Owl
PhyllisAdelle Sherer 11 years ago
Been thinking about this guy since last night. How in the world did he survive without hunting? Was he still in a nest, and somehow fledged?
PhyllisAdelle Sherer 11 years ago
And would love to know HOW this blinding happened, and what about it gave him those beautiful eyes!! He's now my PC background!
Load More Replies...
Bruce Langdale-Hunt 11 years ago
A truely wonderful way to spend his days, with the irreversible problem he has to live with.
janecody10414 11 years ago
hes adorable. I have a ceramic owl collection they are my favorite animal. This is a amazing story so glad hes safe.
Lauren Faust 11 years ago
Zeus’ home Wildlife Learning Center is raising $ for their special needs animals Please consider donating http://www.gofundme.com/cpvfd8
LaurenFaust 11 years ago
Zeus is cared for by Wildlife Learning Center in Sylmar CA. They are currently trying to raise money for on-site vet equipment to care for t
Chrissy Neibarger 11 years ago
He is such a beautiful soul, on earth to teach us to value all creatures.
kris owler 11 years ago
Scopps Owls.. specially wonderful species... Owls,,, fantastic creatures.
Dorothea Socea 11 years ago
As he is blind, the best thing possible is his rescue and relocation. I'm sure he enjoys his new home and attention from visitors.
AnnaMoralesBriones 11 years ago
Pig! Hey, Pig! Pigwidgeon! Ron's been looking all over for you, you stupid little owl!
NataliaNebousina 11 years ago
"starry eyes" is a crystallization of a collagen in the eyes. To recover a collagen you can try to do a leech therapy...with MED. Leeches
JeniceGrimes 11 years ago
God had a reason for making this little guy and now he has a nice e home
Sabrina Botticeli 11 years ago
He doesn't have what he needs more, but it is surrounded of love an affection. It has beautiful eyes, with a mixe of sadness and gratitude.
SabrinaBotticeli 11 years ago
He doesn't have what he needs more, but it sorrounded of love and attention.It has beautiful eyes, with a mixe of sadnesses and gratitude.
AnnaBourgoin 11 years ago
little guy is not lucky to be blind, but so lucky that he was found, he doesn't know better and will have a different life.
StephanieRea 11 years ago
That owl was lucky to have been saved by the right people. Wonderful story and stunning bird. I feel blessed just to have seen the pictures.
JohnElliott 11 years ago
Beautiful and a wonderful reminder that everything is connected. Not only a beautiful Owl but a beautiful story. :)
StephenBauer 11 years ago
I've only ever seen this kind of eye damage in people who received very large electrical shocks, like getting struck by lightning.
Lori Wilson 11 years ago
Dang. That's probably the cutest owl I've ever seen. Then the great owl maker in the sky had to go and give him starry eyes.
molleysue59@gmail.com 11 years ago
I can't understand how a wild animal became soo people friendly and trusting in such a short period of time!
molleysue59@gmail.com 11 years ago
That is a beautiful story, I can't help wonder why after being wild for so long..how did he become Soo people friendly in such a short time?
Sharon Soderbloom 11 years ago
I love owls, I wish he didn't have to be tethered. does he ever fly freely????
KendraGonzalez 11 years ago
I was just there. I asked for the Owls, they said they will only show them at night to a private group. So they don't just show them.
GregorySmith 11 years ago
Love this story! Brought a tear to my eye! Good job Wildlife Learning Center!!
AprilFrogley 11 years ago
So sad to think what has happened to the poor zeuss. I hope he enjoys the rest of his life and can eventually be released. : (
ThomasBenefield 11 years ago
Thank the Maker of All Things for this wonderful gift. Rarely are allowed so close to one of these marvelous Beings.
MichaeleenBoudeman 11 years ago
I think he's simply beautiful...so glad for his happy ending..
11 years ago
They need to release him, he obviously has a purpose in life, he didn't get those eyes over night...
ChristineBrandtFellenbaum 11 years ago
Poor Zeus. He is such a beautiful bird. I am glad he has found a home and purpose to his life rather than be left out in the wild to perish.
EileenConrod 11 years ago
He is a special owl and landed in the right place ,Thank you so much for rescuing him and providing him with a safe and loving home
AngelaLovellPatten 11 years ago
he's wonderful !!! so glad he landed there to be taken care of . Magnificent !!
Miriam Bålman 11 years ago
Beautiful owl :) But i don't like that he has a strap around his leg to prevent him from being and feeling free..
MiriamBålman 11 years ago
Beautiful owl :) But i don't like that he has a strap aruond his leg to prevent him from feeling free..
GuðjónArngrímsson 11 years ago
Well, the bird does not know the light.....Blind people make it.
AndreaSimmons 11 years ago
Maybe he's aliens coming down to test human passion. If so, thank the universe he fell into hands such as these.
ChristaElliott 11 years ago
Wonderful story. Thank you to everyone that works with these animals and educating the visitors.
SharonBauer 11 years ago
Oh! My! He's beautiful like most Owls but really special. Would visit in a heart beat if I was in CA
MayraSurita 11 years ago
Ohhhhh how cute I love owls I collect a lot of owl things, I wish I could adopt Zeus having a real one we'll be amazing lol
StephanieLalli 11 years ago
I wonder how old he is and if they think he was born blind or if he became that way from an accident.
VickiHawthorne 11 years ago
great story…I volunteer at a Wildlife Center in Houston,TX…we have a little screech owl also as an ambassador…was born w/ a defective wing
DanaAshfield 11 years ago
Awwww...what a beautiful creature! So happy he's found a great and happy home!
SmashkaWord'n 11 years ago
Omg!!! We have the same thing! I've lived with a blind own since I was 7yrs here in Australia. She is 23 yrs old now!!! Swap contacts?
DanielDiller 11 years ago
I can only hope, that what his eyes show; is what he sees in his mind.
Judi Hunter 11 years ago
He was sent to fulfil a purpose. He's beautiful and my heart just goes out to him.
Shane Sanders 11 years ago
Most likely vitrial amyloidosis or scynchysis scintillens
Load More Replies...
ChristinaCardiel 11 years ago
I love owls and this lil guy is amazing! What wonderful hearts u all have.. God bless!
ChristinaLaurendi 11 years ago
I'm sorry...he lives "In a trunk, on a filing cabinet"? Does this strike anyone else as odd?
HeatherJones 11 years ago
Seeing this beauty constrained saddens me :( I wish he had his vision to do what he was born to do, fly freely <3
JanaLybarger 11 years ago
A sanctuary like this is the difference between life and death for animals with defects. To call them constrained is cruel.
Load More Replies... dodgerbluexiii 11 years ago
The one word that fills my mind and describes every single aspect of this story to me is the word BEAUTIFUL.
DavidHarris 11 years ago
Having held owls, this little fellow is beautiful. I am glad he is being so well cared for.
KarenPottruff 11 years ago
I think the people who care for Zeus at the sanctuary are wonderful.
SamCook 11 years ago
It's looks like it could be something Asteroid Hyalosis.
Load More Replies... normawiyninger 10 years ago
You are blessed :), Im so jealous, Lol,if I ever can make it to California, first place to go is to visit Zeus!
Load More Replies... PhyllisAdelleSherer 11 years ago
He is so gorgeous! Thank God someone found him before he was killed by another animal. Thank you for caring for him! Keep sharing his info!
JanaMalderle 11 years ago
So great. These are people with a heart of gold. Thank you for doing such a great job. :))
SarahMaher 11 years ago
He's beautiful and it's fantastic that he's safe now but how did he get to be blind I wonder, he obviously started out with sight.
AlfredoPagnotta 11 years ago
The eyes look like a starry sky most likely just because of their blindness! Fascinating! It's beautiful!
FayVallies 11 years ago
I would have named him Cosmos or Universe or Galaxy something along those lines he is beautiful
Dawid Elting 6 years ago (edited)
He is blind but has a gift no other owl has. He is blessed.. although he sadly does not know. Sadly i do not live in Californië or USA otherwise I would love to visit him🤩💪⭐
RE Gullion 7 years ago
For Zeus his vision IS normal, as he was born visually impaired. Fortunately, Zeus was rescued and is much beloved, well cared for, and serves as one of the Wildlife's Learning Center's favorite ambassadors. One does not miss what one has never known. You are, of course, most welcome to your opinion. My perspective emerged when I lost my vision for ten years. A remarkable surgeon, who performed surgeries throughout the world, took my case. I have better vision NOW than I have ever had. However, when I was totally blind, I kept wondering if I had been born blind, how would someone describe color to me... . So, in my opinion, Zeus has traits I wish all of us had. Zeus trusts that he will never be harmed, and he doesn't need to see to feel a caring touch. Moreover, he does not need to be fearful of the hordes of joyful voices surrounding him! Zeus just believes the world is kind and generous, just as he is.
Vesela Delianova 7 years ago
Zeus is now a rock star. :) His beautiful eyes are on The Flying detachment album cover. See the attached photo or go to https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheFlyingDetachment/photos/?ref=page_internal. :) 41418415_1...ea251f.jpg
normawiyninger 10 years ago
Beautiful creation! All of gods creations are truly made for a special and very important reason ! This little guy is going to teach us as people more than we can possibly comprehend for many years to come !If I can make it to California someday ,Zeus will be the first animals i want to visit! God willing I will get healthy enough too visit him soon!! He looks so happy ,bless you that have taken care of and have shared Zeus with the world! !!
karenmcardle 10 years ago
Amazing , his eyes are a story in them selves , Thanks for sharing such a wonderful majestic Owl
LIsleCaromba 11 years ago
And now he is creating awareness. Wow! Sounds corny, but sort of makes you feel that out of every bad thing, something good happens.
Fiercefireball 11 years ago
~The eyes are the gateway to the soul... His soul is the very galaxy it's self! Owl
PhyllisAdelle Sherer 11 years ago
Been thinking about this guy since last night. How in the world did he survive without hunting? Was he still in a nest, and somehow fledged?
PhyllisAdelle Sherer 11 years ago
And would love to know HOW this blinding happened, and what about it gave him those beautiful eyes!! He's now my PC background!
Load More Replies... Bruce Langdale-Hunt 11 years ago
A truely wonderful way to spend his days, with the irreversible problem he has to live with.
janecody10414 11 years ago
hes adorable. I have a ceramic owl collection they are my favorite animal. This is a amazing story so glad hes safe.
Lauren Faust 11 years ago
Zeus’ home Wildlife Learning Center is raising $ for their special needs animals Please consider donating http://www.gofundme.com/cpvfd8
LaurenFaust 11 years ago
Zeus is cared for by Wildlife Learning Center in Sylmar CA. They are currently trying to raise money for on-site vet equipment to care for t
Chrissy Neibarger 11 years ago
He is such a beautiful soul, on earth to teach us to value all creatures.
kris owler 11 years ago
Scopps Owls.. specially wonderful species... Owls,,, fantastic creatures.
Dorothea Socea 11 years ago
As he is blind, the best thing possible is his rescue and relocation. I'm sure he enjoys his new home and attention from visitors.
AnnaMoralesBriones 11 years ago
Pig! Hey, Pig! Pigwidgeon! Ron's been looking all over for you, you stupid little owl!
NataliaNebousina 11 years ago
"starry eyes" is a crystallization of a collagen in the eyes. To recover a collagen you can try to do a leech therapy...with MED. Leeches
JeniceGrimes 11 years ago
God had a reason for making this little guy and now he has a nice e home
Sabrina Botticeli 11 years ago
He doesn't have what he needs more, but it is surrounded of love an affection. It has beautiful eyes, with a mixe of sadness and gratitude.
SabrinaBotticeli 11 years ago
He doesn't have what he needs more, but it sorrounded of love and attention.It has beautiful eyes, with a mixe of sadnesses and gratitude.
AnnaBourgoin 11 years ago
little guy is not lucky to be blind, but so lucky that he was found, he doesn't know better and will have a different life.
StephanieRea 11 years ago
That owl was lucky to have been saved by the right people. Wonderful story and stunning bird. I feel blessed just to have seen the pictures.
JohnElliott 11 years ago
Beautiful and a wonderful reminder that everything is connected. Not only a beautiful Owl but a beautiful story. :)
StephenBauer 11 years ago
I've only ever seen this kind of eye damage in people who received very large electrical shocks, like getting struck by lightning.
Lori Wilson 11 years ago
Dang. That's probably the cutest owl I've ever seen. Then the great owl maker in the sky had to go and give him starry eyes.
molleysue59@gmail.com 11 years ago
I can't understand how a wild animal became soo people friendly and trusting in such a short period of time!
molleysue59@gmail.com 11 years ago
That is a beautiful story, I can't help wonder why after being wild for so long..how did he become Soo people friendly in such a short time?
Sharon Soderbloom 11 years ago
I love owls, I wish he didn't have to be tethered. does he ever fly freely????
KendraGonzalez 11 years ago
I was just there. I asked for the Owls, they said they will only show them at night to a private group. So they don't just show them.
GregorySmith 11 years ago
Love this story! Brought a tear to my eye! Good job Wildlife Learning Center!!
AprilFrogley 11 years ago
So sad to think what has happened to the poor zeuss. I hope he enjoys the rest of his life and can eventually be released. : (
ThomasBenefield 11 years ago
Thank the Maker of All Things for this wonderful gift. Rarely are allowed so close to one of these marvelous Beings.
MichaeleenBoudeman 11 years ago
I think he's simply beautiful...so glad for his happy ending..
11 years ago
They need to release him, he obviously has a purpose in life, he didn't get those eyes over night...
ChristineBrandtFellenbaum 11 years ago
Poor Zeus. He is such a beautiful bird. I am glad he has found a home and purpose to his life rather than be left out in the wild to perish.
EileenConrod 11 years ago
He is a special owl and landed in the right place ,Thank you so much for rescuing him and providing him with a safe and loving home
AngelaLovellPatten 11 years ago
he's wonderful !!! so glad he landed there to be taken care of . Magnificent !!
Miriam Bålman 11 years ago
Beautiful owl :) But i don't like that he has a strap around his leg to prevent him from being and feeling free..
MiriamBålman 11 years ago
Beautiful owl :) But i don't like that he has a strap aruond his leg to prevent him from feeling free..
GuðjónArngrímsson 11 years ago
Well, the bird does not know the light.....Blind people make it.
AndreaSimmons 11 years ago
Maybe he's aliens coming down to test human passion. If so, thank the universe he fell into hands such as these.
ChristaElliott 11 years ago
Wonderful story. Thank you to everyone that works with these animals and educating the visitors.
SharonBauer 11 years ago
Oh! My! He's beautiful like most Owls but really special. Would visit in a heart beat if I was in CA
MayraSurita 11 years ago
Ohhhhh how cute I love owls I collect a lot of owl things, I wish I could adopt Zeus having a real one we'll be amazing lol
StephanieLalli 11 years ago
I wonder how old he is and if they think he was born blind or if he became that way from an accident.
VickiHawthorne 11 years ago
great story…I volunteer at a Wildlife Center in Houston,TX…we have a little screech owl also as an ambassador…was born w/ a defective wing
DanaAshfield 11 years ago
Awwww...what a beautiful creature! So happy he's found a great and happy home!
SmashkaWord'n 11 years ago
Omg!!! We have the same thing! I've lived with a blind own since I was 7yrs here in Australia. She is 23 yrs old now!!! Swap contacts?
DanielDiller 11 years ago
I can only hope, that what his eyes show; is what he sees in his mind.
Judi Hunter 11 years ago
He was sent to fulfil a purpose. He's beautiful and my heart just goes out to him.
Shane Sanders 11 years ago
Most likely vitrial amyloidosis or scynchysis scintillens
Load More Replies... ChristinaCardiel 11 years ago
I love owls and this lil guy is amazing! What wonderful hearts u all have.. God bless!
ChristinaLaurendi 11 years ago
I'm sorry...he lives "In a trunk, on a filing cabinet"? Does this strike anyone else as odd?
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