Pepsi the 'incredibly old' barn owl dies at 19

Pepsi, aged nearly 20, was only a year younger than the oldest recorded barn owl in captivity

An "incredibly old" barn owl, who was a resident at the Isle of Man's wildlife park, has died aged 19 years and nine months old.

Barn owls typically live for about five years in the wild, with the oldest recorded wild owl living to 15 years old. The oldest known barn owl in captivity lived until the age of 21.

Pepsi was often spotted on the arm of volunteer handler Martin around the Curraghs Wildlife Park in Ballaugh, and was considered a favourite for visitors.

Park manager Kathleen Graham said it was "sad to say goodbye" but good to know that he had "lived really beyond [his] years".

Ms Graham described Pepsi as a "favourite character" who was "such a pretty owl, and a laid back owl", and an "ambassador for the species".

'Red list'

Often seen being walked around the park with Martin, people were able to engage with Pepsi and learn about the species.

Ms Graham said such engagement meant people could "see up close and learn first hand" about owls, which also helped people connect to animals in the wild.

Two new barn owls are now in the aviary, recently arrived from Five Sisters Zoo in Scotland - called Alba and Bee.

Ms Graham explained that while barn owls are not considered endangered in the British Isles, they are on the "red list" on the Isle of Man, with only 10 known breeding pairs in the wild.

The park was therefore working with the Manx Wildlife Trust to provide nesting boxes for people - especially those with land - to pick up, she said, to keep the species going.

Having barn owls in an area also helped with rodent control, she added.

People helping out would "help barn owls on the Isle of Man where they are just clinging on", she said.