By Times Chronicle Staff
The South Okanagan Rehabilitation Centre for Owls (SORCO) is hosting its annual Open House this weekend.
The once-a-year event typically draws over 2,500 visitors over a five hour period and is the main fundraiser for the volunteer-driven raptor rehabilitation centre. As the group receives no government funding it relies entirely on public donations along with a dedicated group of volunteers.
The event is also provides a precious peak into the facility and some of its temporary residents.
The admission by donation event at the facility just south of Vaseux Lake sees displays by conservation groups, a kid’s area, tours of the facilities, a silent auction with over 100 items, a BBQ and birthday cake to celebrate Houdini’s 25th birthday. Houdini is a great horned owl that was rescued by SORCO after he fell out his nest at only three days old. While he recovered, his injuries made it impossible for him to be released into the wild and he became SORCO’s ambassador.
The open house is on Sunday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the SORCO facility south of Vaseux Lake at 8965 Hwy 97 (12 km north of Oliver and 10 km south of Okanagan Falls).
Pluto the Burrowing Owl was rescued in 2015 and has become Sorco’s educational ambassador.
