Varia was found in Ketchikan, Alaska along the roadway with a broken right wrist. While she eventually regained the ability to fly, her flight was noticeably noisy, making it difficult for her to hunt—since owls rely on silent flight to catch prey. Because she would struggle to survive in the wild, Varia was chosen to become an educational ambassador, sharing her story and educating visitors to the Center.

Barred Owls like Varia are not native to Alaska, but they have gradually expanded westward and can now be found in small pockets, including around Ketchikan and Juneau. They are one of only four owl species with brown eyes, giving them a distinctive—and undeniably adorable—look with their large, soulful eyes!