THREE owls who became firm friends after growing up together at a Wraxall zoo farm are about to take to the skies – as they embark on their flight training.

Snuffleupagus, an African Spotted Eagle Owl, Bertie the barn owl and Big Bird the American Burrowing Owl, all of whom live at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, are about to start flight training with their surrogate 'dad' – headkeeper Chris Wilkinson.

The trio, which are now five months old, have been hand reared by dedicated keepers at Noah's Ark and have become a close, feathered family.

Snuffy and Bertie will be taught to fly on vocal commands from keepers, taking food from perches and posts in the zoos popular animal show.

'Big Bird', the cheeky little burrowing owl, will demonstrate his natural ground-foraging behaviour outside in the outdoor birds of prey display. The trio will help teach visitors about special adaptations of different birds of prey.

Chris said: " I'm currently training Snuffy and Bertie to recognise their names and follow some simple vocal cues so they will be comfortable flying in the daily animal show."

Owl flying displays are one of several daily educational events at the zoo to help teach visitors with the aim of fostering interest in the natural world and important conservation issues.