Screech Owl Sanctuary

About Screech Owl Sanctuary

A Sanctuary for the rescue of Owls
We also have a range of other animals including raccoons, meerkats, emus, alpacas, mini Shetland ponies, donkeys, goats

Screech Owl Sanctuary Description

The Screech Owl Sanctuary was founded in 1990 and is currently situated in mid Cornwall on the edge of the Goss Moor nature reserve near Indian Queens.

We hold one of the largest collection of owls in the south west with over 40 different species from all over the world.

We deal with all rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured owls in the county and where possible return the owls to their former locations.

We provide education to both adults and children and allow them the opportunity of close encounters with these beautiful and majestic birds.

The sanctuary has been involved in many conservation projects of endangered species and at certain times of the year visitors can see baby owls.

On site we have several other animals including Emus, Meerkat, Alpacas, Pygmy Goats and Shetland Ponies.

The sanctuary won the BBC UK Animal Awards in 2003 and also our owls featured in the animated owl film The Legend of the Guardians.

Please look at our website for daily activities, special events, admission prices, discount vouchers and opening times throughout the year.

Reviews

User

Kinniki likes to give everyone a close encounter, maybe a bit too close sometimes ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚

User

Wheatley has been moulting out her old feathers and has grown her new ones, for some reason her new ones look rather grey and now she looks like an elderly woman๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚

User

This was Froggy's face when I told him that the summer holidays had started ๐Ÿ˜‚

User

Its grooming time here at the sanctuary and Billy and Casper have been pampered and had their hooves clipped ready for all the families coming to visit us this summer ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜

User

Fluffy is back on top of his flying displays after having a couple weeks off due to a sore foot๐Ÿ˜†
Come along and see our old pro do what he does best!๐Ÿ˜

User

ITS SUMMER TIME!!! Thistle is really feeling the summer vibes today and to celebrate we are giving away a family pass to the sanctuary!! The pass is for a family of 4 to come to the santuary and enjoy all the exciting activities we have to offer๐Ÿ˜Š to be in with a chance of winning all you have to do is: 1- like 2- share 3- comment where you're sharing from
... Its that simple ๐Ÿ˜‰ the winner will be announced on Friday so get sharing with all your family and friends and lets see how far the post will go!!๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Š
See More

User

It was a long hard climb up to the roof to see Dad so instead of helping on watch our little baby just fell straight asleep ๐Ÿ˜ด๐Ÿ˜‚

User

Kaya loves showing off her amazing acribatics in her flying displays, come along and see her for yourself and see this amazing owl in action ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Š

User

I had a lovely handling session and raccoon experience with Naziema, she got to hold a range of different sized owls and also two Raccoons trying to pull her to the floor for food which she loved ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚

User

Buzz has had a couple of months rest whilst he moulted his feathers, as you can see he's starting to get back into the swing of things ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป

User

Talk about the wise old owl he's looking at the floor and there's nothing there ๐Ÿ˜‚

User

Helena enjoyed her handling session today and had a great Aztec impression!

User

Owl Capone is getting the hang of his morning routine, although as you can see he doesnโ€™t want to sit still on the scales!๐Ÿ™„๐Ÿ™„

User

Love the evening walk around to make sure all the owls and animals are all ok. A great time when no one else is around.

User

We couldn't leave the meerkats out on the icy fun, so we made them some dried mealworm ice poles and as you can see they loved them ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜

User

Apparently toes are very entertaining to our little meerkats ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜

User

๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚ little Logan decided he wanted to pinch Paula's job and be the falconry for the day. Kinniki didn't seem to mind๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Š he is Tony Aspinwalls grandson, who is one of our long time owl sponsors๐Ÿฆ‰๐Ÿฆ‰

User

We made ice fruit balls for the raccoons and meerkats to keep them cool today and Rocky thought it would be fun to throw it around in the pond instead of eating it๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ

User

The owls are on point with their flying today come along and see them for yourselves ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿฆ‰๐Ÿฆ‰

User

The boys working hard to replace some of the old seating around the flying area as well as putting in more new seats to accommodate more people. The Sanctuary has been busier this year so far than any year in its twenty eight year history and now employs more people than ever before. Thanks everyone who has helped make it the success it is visitors and staff alike. X

User

We visited the sanctuary at the beginning of April in the Easter holidays. My 5y old daughter is owl mad so we thought it would be a great place to visit. All the staff were friendly and helpful. We paid for an owl experience for her which she loved and the chap (sorry I don't know his name) who led the experience was really good with her and explained lots about the different owls. Cream tea was absolutely delish in the cafe. We spent a good three hours here, which considering the weather was freezing, just flew by. Would definitely recommend for any owl lover. Next time we are down visiting family I'm sure we'll make another trip here.

User

We have just had the most amazing day my son and sister did the one to one owl experience and it truely has made a my sons tenth birthday so special thanks so much

User

We had the most amazing time yesterday taking part in a half day falconry course led by Rupert. Rupert introduced us to a number of โ€˜newโ€™ owls and we learnt a lot more about them and the going ons at Screech. The standout highlight was flying our owl Wilbur who we sponsored and named a week or so after his arrival at Screech. The change in Wilbur was beautiful to see and is a testament to the work being conducted at Screech. Thank you for such a fantastic day; we canโ€™t stop looking at our photographs!

User

We had a great time at the Sanctuary. Greeted by passionate front of house staff, and you can tell that everyone who works with the owls genuinely love the animals in their care.

We picked up vouchers from the Days Out leaflets (and even their own had one!) which helped.

Had one suggestion (heating their baby change, we went in March brr!) which the owner came out and talked through ideas with us - you wouldn't get that in many places!

Definitely would go again!

User

We enjoyed a lovely day here, the staff were welcoming and helpful. We all enjoyed the flying displays the most, my son (6) loved being able have a go at holding an owl himself. This really is an amazing little place, to be able to touch some of the owls was pretty exciting for the children. Nice outdoor play area and a good, reasonably priced tea room, we couldn't ask for more for a great value family day out. Well done Screech Owl Sanctuary, keep up the amazing work!

User

Visited today with my partner who adores Owls and both of us loved every minute. Everyone (animal and human) was brilliantly friendly and nothing at all was too much trouble, especially on the handling experience. This place is worthy of every 5* review it gets.

User

This was our second time visiting SOS though the last time was 3/4 yes ago. I can't recommend it enough, the staff are welcoming and very professional! It was my daughters 7th birthday and loved getting picked to help out with the open air flying display (as did her little brother). The staff were so passionate about all the animals in their care and happy to answer every question my 5yr old could throw at them. Beautiful setting, delicious food and the kids loved the park there too. Already planning our return visit :)

User

This is a โ€œmust visitโ€ location if you staying in Cornwall and like wildlife, especially Owls.

We took the opportunity to take the one hour handling experience as itโ€™s been a lifetime ambition to be able to handle and be up close to Owls.

It was an out of this world experience, it really was. The Owls kept getting bigger and bigger ending with the very affectionate Rupert.

Wonderful day out all around.

User

Myself and nephew had the most amazing one to one experience with the owls, the guy knew his stuff and was happy to answer all my nephews questions, it also made my day as I am owl obsessed! The owl show was fantastic too, and not forgetting the other animals on site that was great to be so involved. Worth every penny spent. I will definitely will be returning! ๏ฟฝ๏ฟฝ๏ฟฝ๏ฟฝ

User

My partner already posted a review regarding our amazing experience today! As a wheelchair user with mobility difficulties and limited use of my left arm I was very impressed with the accessibility of the site and as my partner has already said, nothing was too much trouble. He had contacted the sanctuary prior to our visit to discuss my difficulties and the staff were hugely helpful. They made sure I could fully take part in our 1hour handling session which we both thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend! Well worth a visit and worth every penny! Thank you to all staff!

User

My friend and i visited yesterday and had the best time ever. The weather was atrocious and apart from a couple on an 'experience' visit we were the only guests. It was a real treat, a delightful young lady took us feeding the animals with here. She fed the raccoons and told us there sad story. Then we got to feed the emu and goats, whilst she kindly took photos. We then had a brilliant encounter with the owls, with a lovely young man, who so obviously loved what he was doing and his enthusiasm was a delight. We had a toastie and a hot chocolate in the cafe before going into the indoor flying area. There another lovely young man brought in Voicey to fly and then gave us a go!! Highlight of the year!!๏ฟฝ Voicey was stunning, so beautiful and so funny. We were made to feel so special and looked after superbly. We then went to the lovely shop which was full of all things owl ๏ฟฝ Despite the rain we went back out to visit all the other owls and the meerkats. We highly recommend this lovely place and will definitely return, they do an amazing job ๏ฟฝ

User

I visited today & would highly recommend the multi day experience. I had an amazing time and I loved every minute of it! The owls are so beautiful & fascinating and the staff are so friendly & knowledgeable. It was also great to get to feed the meerkats & go in and see the racoons. I didn't know what to expect from today but I got so much more. Also, the money made from these experiences goes towards the onsite owl hospital so not only do you have a great time, you also are helping the sanctuary too.

User

I cannot visit often, but Screech Owl is number one on the list whenever I come down to Cornwall. Everything about this place is a joy, from the friendly reception (plus huge dog!), to the birds, animals, displays and guides. A big shout out to the cafe, also, which cannot be faulted and makes the best cream teas. ๏ฟฝ

User

Had a wonderful day at the sanctuary yesterday. The staff there so obviously care for the birds and animals and are very knowledgeable about each one, including each bird's personal back story and details. I was lucky enough to have a beautiful barn owl land on my hand - a real honour which i will cherish forever. Would recommend this amazing place and fantastic to know our money helps the owl hospital there to care for and rehabilitate these magnificent birds.

User

Had a fantastic Easter here this week end! Stayed in the cottage which had everything we needed! Was wonderful to be able to walk round at night while the owls were very vocal! The staff obviously love what they do and the animals are very happy! Thank you so much to Paula for yesterday she was amazing with the kids and made it very special for them! We will be back in the Summer xx

User

Great day out..lots of other animals to see as well as the owls; they have meerkats, lama's, pigmy goats, racoons, ponies & donkeys etc..the owl show is great & you get an opportunity to have the owls fly on to your arm if you want. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit on 7th June.

User

Fantastic family day out. Lovely staff,well run and great facilities. Really enjoyed the flying display and the up close encounters with some of the owls. Highly recommend

User

Fantastic day out. Would really recommend an owl handling experience. Staff are great with the kids and very knowledgeable. Owls and other birds are well looked after. We brought an injured barn owl (oily) to the sanctuary a while ago and it was cared for and released back into the wild by staff. We were lucky enough to watch it being released.

User

A must see for all owl lovers! The biggest collection we've seen to date. The staff are all very knowledgeable, welcoming and make the day a fantastic experience for one and all. Not forgetting the other animals including the meerkats, raccoons, ponies, cheeky donkeys and the shy alpacas. Food at the tea rooms was well priced, lovely and generous portions. We are adults but it was clear there is plenty for all ages. My teenage daughter particularly enjoyed the 1to1 personal encounter with the owls which though extra was worth it as she is deaf and disabled but thoroughly enjoyed the whole day. Thankyou SOS you do amazingly and especially so for the animals in your care. Xxx

User

We visited the sanctuary at the beginning of April in the Easter holidays. My 5y old daughter is owl mad so we thought it would be a great place to visit. All the staff were friendly and helpful. We paid for an owl experience for her which she loved and the chap (sorry I don't know his name) who led the experience was really good with her and explained lots about the different owls. Cream tea was absolutely delish in the cafe. We spent a good three hours here, which considering the weather was freezing, just flew by. Would definitely recommend for any owl lover. Next time we are down visiting family I'm sure we'll make another trip here.

User

We have just had the most amazing day my son and sister did the one to one owl experience and it truely has made a my sons tenth birthday so special thanks so much

User

We had the most amazing time yesterday taking part in a half day falconry course led by Rupert. Rupert introduced us to a number of โ€˜newโ€™ owls and we learnt a lot more about them and the going ons at Screech. The standout highlight was flying our owl Wilbur who we sponsored and named a week or so after his arrival at Screech. The change in Wilbur was beautiful to see and is a testament to the work being conducted at Screech. Thank you for such a fantastic day; we canโ€™t stop looking at our photographs!

User

We had a great time at the Sanctuary. Greeted by passionate front of house staff, and you can tell that everyone who works with the owls genuinely love the animals in their care.

We picked up vouchers from the Days Out leaflets (and even their own had one!) which helped.

Had one suggestion (heating their baby change, we went in March brr!) which the owner came out and talked through ideas with us - you wouldn't get that in many places!

Definitely would go again!

User

We enjoyed a lovely day here, the staff were welcoming and helpful. We all enjoyed the flying displays the most, my son (6) loved being able have a go at holding an owl himself. This really is an amazing little place, to be able to touch some of the owls was pretty exciting for the children. Nice outdoor play area and a good, reasonably priced tea room, we couldn't ask for more for a great value family day out. Well done Screech Owl Sanctuary, keep up the amazing work!

User

Visited today with my partner who adores Owls and both of us loved every minute. Everyone (animal and human) was brilliantly friendly and nothing at all was too much trouble, especially on the handling experience. This place is worthy of every 5* review it gets.

User

This was our second time visiting SOS though the last time was 3/4 yes ago. I can't recommend it enough, the staff are welcoming and very professional! It was my daughters 7th birthday and loved getting picked to help out with the open air flying display (as did her little brother). The staff were so passionate about all the animals in their care and happy to answer every question my 5yr old could throw at them. Beautiful setting, delicious food and the kids loved the park there too. Already planning our return visit :)

User

This is a โ€œmust visitโ€ location if you staying in Cornwall and like wildlife, especially Owls.

We took the opportunity to take the one hour handling experience as itโ€™s been a lifetime ambition to be able to handle and be up close to Owls.

It was an out of this world experience, it really was. The Owls kept getting bigger and bigger ending with the very affectionate Rupert.

Wonderful day out all around.

User

Myself and nephew had the most amazing one to one experience with the owls, the guy knew his stuff and was happy to answer all my nephews questions, it also made my day as I am owl obsessed! The owl show was fantastic too, and not forgetting the other animals on site that was great to be so involved. Worth every penny spent. I will definitely will be returning! ๏ฟฝ๏ฟฝ๏ฟฝ๏ฟฝ

User

My partner already posted a review regarding our amazing experience today! As a wheelchair user with mobility difficulties and limited use of my left arm I was very impressed with the accessibility of the site and as my partner has already said, nothing was too much trouble. He had contacted the sanctuary prior to our visit to discuss my difficulties and the staff were hugely helpful. They made sure I could fully take part in our 1hour handling session which we both thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend! Well worth a visit and worth every penny! Thank you to all staff!

User

My friend and i visited yesterday and had the best time ever. The weather was atrocious and apart from a couple on an 'experience' visit we were the only guests. It was a real treat, a delightful young lady took us feeding the animals with here. She fed the raccoons and told us there sad story. Then we got to feed the emu and goats, whilst she kindly took photos. We then had a brilliant encounter with the owls, with a lovely young man, who so obviously loved what he was doing and his enthusiasm was a delight. We had a toastie and a hot chocolate in the cafe before going into the indoor flying area. There another lovely young man brought in Voicey to fly and then gave us a go!! Highlight of the year!!๏ฟฝ Voicey was stunning, so beautiful and so funny. We were made to feel so special and looked after superbly. We then went to the lovely shop which was full of all things owl ๏ฟฝ Despite the rain we went back out to visit all the other owls and the meerkats. We highly recommend this lovely place and will definitely return, they do an amazing job ๏ฟฝ

User

I visited today & would highly recommend the multi day experience. I had an amazing time and I loved every minute of it! The owls are so beautiful & fascinating and the staff are so friendly & knowledgeable. It was also great to get to feed the meerkats & go in and see the racoons. I didn't know what to expect from today but I got so much more. Also, the money made from these experiences goes towards the onsite owl hospital so not only do you have a great time, you also are helping the sanctuary too.

User

I cannot visit often, but Screech Owl is number one on the list whenever I come down to Cornwall. Everything about this place is a joy, from the friendly reception (plus huge dog!), to the birds, animals, displays and guides. A big shout out to the cafe, also, which cannot be faulted and makes the best cream teas. ๏ฟฝ

User

Had a wonderful day at the sanctuary yesterday. The staff there so obviously care for the birds and animals and are very knowledgeable about each one, including each bird's personal back story and details. I was lucky enough to have a beautiful barn owl land on my hand - a real honour which i will cherish forever. Would recommend this amazing place and fantastic to know our money helps the owl hospital there to care for and rehabilitate these magnificent birds.

User

Had a fantastic Easter here this week end! Stayed in the cottage which had everything we needed! Was wonderful to be able to walk round at night while the owls were very vocal! The staff obviously love what they do and the animals are very happy! Thank you so much to Paula for yesterday she was amazing with the kids and made it very special for them! We will be back in the Summer xx

User

Great day out..lots of other animals to see as well as the owls; they have meerkats, lama's, pigmy goats, racoons, ponies & donkeys etc..the owl show is great & you get an opportunity to have the owls fly on to your arm if you want. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit on 7th June.

User

Fantastic family day out. Lovely staff,well run and great facilities. Really enjoyed the flying display and the up close encounters with some of the owls. Highly recommend

User

Fantastic day out. Would really recommend an owl handling experience. Staff are great with the kids and very knowledgeable. Owls and other birds are well looked after. We brought an injured barn owl (oily) to the sanctuary a while ago and it was cared for and released back into the wild by staff. We were lucky enough to watch it being released.

User

A must see for all owl lovers! The biggest collection we've seen to date. The staff are all very knowledgeable, welcoming and make the day a fantastic experience for one and all. Not forgetting the other animals including the meerkats, raccoons, ponies, cheeky donkeys and the shy alpacas. Food at the tea rooms was well priced, lovely and generous portions. We are adults but it was clear there is plenty for all ages. My teenage daughter particularly enjoyed the 1to1 personal encounter with the owls which though extra was worth it as she is deaf and disabled but thoroughly enjoyed the whole day. Thankyou SOS you do amazingly and especially so for the animals in your care. Xxx

More about Screech Owl Sanctuary

Screech Owl Sanctuary is located at Goss Moor, near St Columb, TR9 6 Saint Columb Major, Cornwall, United Kingdom
01726860182
http://www.screechowlsanctuary.co.uk/