WATCH: Elmwood's Banshee The Barn Owl Opens Birthday Presents

NORRISTOWN, PA — Elmwood Zoo's beautiful barn owl, Banshee, is celebrating his first birthday. And the zoo put together a special celebration for the occasion.

The event featured treats, a birthday present which Banshee looked to unwrap on his own, and live readings of birthday cards from children who wanted to send their favorite owl their best wishes.

Throughout the reading, Banshee let his appreciation be known with his signature shriek:

Banshee was born at the Philadelphia Zoo on July 27, 2020, and made the journey over to Elmwood as a tiny owlet by the end of last August. You can watch his transformation in those early months here.

Barn owls are spread widely around the world, and, as their name suggests, enjoy living in tree hollows and other small wood structures like barns. Because they live in barns and enjoy the taste of rodentia, they're seen as important allies for farmers in many parts of the world.