Owl That Escaped MN Zoo Was Likely Hit By Car: Report

APPLE VALLEY, MN — Gladys, the Eurasian eagle owl that died after escaping from Minnesota Zoo, was likely hit by a car, zoo officials told the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Minnesota Zoo announced Gladys's death Oct. 14, just days after they asked neighbors to be on the lookout for her.

The Zoo said that Gladys had flown off during a training flight earlier this month didn't return to her handler. Zoo officials originally thought she was still on the property.

"For the last five years, Gladys has been a beloved ambassador of her species in the bird show," the zoo's social media post announcing Gladys's death read. "The Animal Team hand-raised her from a chick and worked with her daily. This is a difficult day for our team. Whenever an animal dies, we feel the impact of that loss as a Zoo community."

See also: MN Zoo's 'Beloved Ambassador' Gladys Dies After Being Injured