ASHEBORO, N.C. — The North Carolina Zoo is mourning the loss of Sam, a barred owl who lived at the zoo for more than two decades after being rescued from a car strike in 2002.
Sam, estimated to be 25 years old, far exceeded the typical 8–10 year lifespan of her species and became a cherished presence at the zoo’s Streamside habitat.
Sam formed a particularly strong bond with one keeper in recent years, responding to his voice, participating willingly in daily training, and even calling to him in her final moments…