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)
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
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
Seeing this beauty constrained saddens me :( I wish he had his vision to do what he was born to do, fly freely <3
A sanctuary like this is the difference between life and death for animals with defects. To call them constrained is cruel.
Load More Replies...The one word that fills my mind and describes every single aspect of this story to me is the word BEAUTIFUL.
Having held owls, this little fellow is beautiful. I am glad he is being so well cared for.
I think the people who care for Zeus at the sanctuary are wonderful.
It's looks like it could be something Asteroid Hyalosis.
Load More Replies...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...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!
So great. These are people with a heart of gold. Thank you for doing such a great job. :))
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.
The eyes look like a starry sky most likely just because of their blindness! Fascinating! It's beautiful!
I would have named him Cosmos or Universe or Galaxy something along those lines he is beautiful
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🤩💪⭐
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.
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
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! !!
Amazing , his eyes are a story in them selves , Thanks for sharing such a wonderful majestic Owl
And now he is creating awareness. Wow! Sounds corny, but sort of makes you feel that out of every bad thing, something good happens.
~The eyes are the gateway to the soul... His soul is the very galaxy it's self! Owl
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?
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...A truely wonderful way to spend his days, with the irreversible problem he has to live with.
hes adorable. I have a ceramic owl collection they are my favorite animal. This is a amazing story so glad hes safe.
Zeus’ home Wildlife Learning Center is raising $ for their special needs animals Please consider donating http://www.gofundme.com/cpvfd8
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
He is such a beautiful soul, on earth to teach us to value all creatures.
Scopps Owls.. specially wonderful species... Owls,,, fantastic creatures.
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.
Pig! Hey, Pig! Pigwidgeon! Ron's been looking all over for you, you stupid little owl!
"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
God had a reason for making this little guy and now he has a nice e home
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.
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.
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.
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.
Beautiful and a wonderful reminder that everything is connected. Not only a beautiful Owl but a beautiful story. :)
I've only ever seen this kind of eye damage in people who received very large electrical shocks, like getting struck by lightning.
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.
I can't understand how a wild animal became soo people friendly and trusting in such a short period of time!
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?
I love owls, I wish he didn't have to be tethered. does he ever fly freely????
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.
Love this story! Brought a tear to my eye! Good job Wildlife Learning Center!!
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. : (
Thank the Maker of All Things for this wonderful gift. Rarely are allowed so close to one of these marvelous Beings.
They need to release him, he obviously has a purpose in life, he didn't get those eyes over night...
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.
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
he's wonderful !!! so glad he landed there to be taken care of . Magnificent !!
Beautiful owl :) But i don't like that he has a strap around his leg to prevent him from being and feeling free..
Beautiful owl :) But i don't like that he has a strap aruond his leg to prevent him from feeling free..
Well, the bird does not know the light.....Blind people make it.
Maybe he's aliens coming down to test human passion. If so, thank the universe he fell into hands such as these.
Wonderful story. Thank you to everyone that works with these animals and educating the visitors.
Oh! My! He's beautiful like most Owls but really special. Would visit in a heart beat if I was in CA
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
I wonder how old he is and if they think he was born blind or if he became that way from an accident.
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
Awwww...what a beautiful creature! So happy he's found a great and happy home!
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?
I can only hope, that what his eyes show; is what he sees in his mind.
He was sent to fulfil a purpose. He's beautiful and my heart just goes out to him.
Most likely vitrial amyloidosis or scynchysis scintillens
Load More Replies...I love owls and this lil guy is amazing! What wonderful hearts u all have.. God bless!
I'm sorry...he lives "In a trunk, on a filing cabinet"? Does this strike anyone else as odd?
Seeing this beauty constrained saddens me :( I wish he had his vision to do what he was born to do, fly freely <3
A sanctuary like this is the difference between life and death for animals with defects. To call them constrained is cruel.
Load More Replies...The one word that fills my mind and describes every single aspect of this story to me is the word BEAUTIFUL.
Having held owls, this little fellow is beautiful. I am glad he is being so well cared for.
I think the people who care for Zeus at the sanctuary are wonderful.
It's looks like it could be something Asteroid Hyalosis.
Load More Replies...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...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!
So great. These are people with a heart of gold. Thank you for doing such a great job. :))
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.
The eyes look like a starry sky most likely just because of their blindness! Fascinating! It's beautiful!
I would have named him Cosmos or Universe or Galaxy something along those lines he is beautiful
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🤩💪⭐
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.
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
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! !!
Amazing , his eyes are a story in them selves , Thanks for sharing such a wonderful majestic Owl
And now he is creating awareness. Wow! Sounds corny, but sort of makes you feel that out of every bad thing, something good happens.
~The eyes are the gateway to the soul... His soul is the very galaxy it's self! Owl
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?
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...A truely wonderful way to spend his days, with the irreversible problem he has to live with.
hes adorable. I have a ceramic owl collection they are my favorite animal. This is a amazing story so glad hes safe.
Zeus’ home Wildlife Learning Center is raising $ for their special needs animals Please consider donating http://www.gofundme.com/cpvfd8
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
He is such a beautiful soul, on earth to teach us to value all creatures.
Scopps Owls.. specially wonderful species... Owls,,, fantastic creatures.
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.
Pig! Hey, Pig! Pigwidgeon! Ron's been looking all over for you, you stupid little owl!
"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
God had a reason for making this little guy and now he has a nice e home
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.
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.
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.
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.
Beautiful and a wonderful reminder that everything is connected. Not only a beautiful Owl but a beautiful story. :)
I've only ever seen this kind of eye damage in people who received very large electrical shocks, like getting struck by lightning.
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.
I can't understand how a wild animal became soo people friendly and trusting in such a short period of time!
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?
I love owls, I wish he didn't have to be tethered. does he ever fly freely????
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.
Love this story! Brought a tear to my eye! Good job Wildlife Learning Center!!
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. : (
Thank the Maker of All Things for this wonderful gift. Rarely are allowed so close to one of these marvelous Beings.
They need to release him, he obviously has a purpose in life, he didn't get those eyes over night...
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.
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
he's wonderful !!! so glad he landed there to be taken care of . Magnificent !!
Beautiful owl :) But i don't like that he has a strap around his leg to prevent him from being and feeling free..
Beautiful owl :) But i don't like that he has a strap aruond his leg to prevent him from feeling free..
Well, the bird does not know the light.....Blind people make it.
Maybe he's aliens coming down to test human passion. If so, thank the universe he fell into hands such as these.
Wonderful story. Thank you to everyone that works with these animals and educating the visitors.
Oh! My! He's beautiful like most Owls but really special. Would visit in a heart beat if I was in CA
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
I wonder how old he is and if they think he was born blind or if he became that way from an accident.
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
Awwww...what a beautiful creature! So happy he's found a great and happy home!
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?
I can only hope, that what his eyes show; is what he sees in his mind.
He was sent to fulfil a purpose. He's beautiful and my heart just goes out to him.
Most likely vitrial amyloidosis or scynchysis scintillens
Load More Replies...I love owls and this lil guy is amazing! What wonderful hearts u all have.. God bless!
I'm sorry...he lives "In a trunk, on a filing cabinet"? Does this strike anyone else as odd?
298
191