Harry Potter owl retires to farm

Celebrity owl Zeus has left a successful movie career behind and flown the magical world of Hogwarts to settle down to life in Shropshire. But he still can't resist a bit of attention.

The feathered film star, who appeared in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets", is now entertaining more select audiences at his new home at Hoo Farm, near Telford.

Farm owner Edward Dorrell said Zeus played the Weasley family's clumsy owl Errol in the big screen blockbuster, having been trained and supplied by a specialist firm of animal trainers.

He said the firm then passed Zeus to Beck's Bird Barn in Ellerdine, near Telford, when the film was finished and he was in turn given to Hoo where he has now made a permanent home.

He said the firm then passed Zeus to Beck's Bird Barn in Ellerdine, near Telford, when the film was finished and he was in turn given to Hoo where he has now made a permanent home.

Mr Dorrell, who owns and runs Hoo Farm with his wife Carolyn, said: "We're not quite sure how old Zeus is, but think he must be about seven. He is very good natured and just loves attention.

"We already had a small collection of owls, but not a great grey one.

"Because Zeus is so well trained he comes out every day for the children's animal handling sessions and, having been in a Harry Potter film, he's very popular."

The great grey owl, or Lapland owl, is found across the Northern Hemisphere. Much of its size, however, is deceptive as its fluffy feathers, long tail and large head obscure a body lighter than most other large owls.

Hoo Farm is open from 10am to 6pm every day during the summer.

For details, call (01952) 677917.