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Otis the Owl in Christmas special
12/17/08
BY MARK WEBER
Red Deer Express
A local owl is hitting the small screen soon in a special holiday production.
Otis the Owl lives at the Medicine River Wildlife Centre near Innisfail.
He’s been making quite a name for himself of late, having starred in the popular CTV series Corner Gas last January.
Viewers will also be able to see the talented bird strutting his stuff in CBC’s The Secret of the Nutcracker, airing Dec. 19.
The project, which offers a twist on the classic seasonal tale, was filmed in conjunction with the Alberta Ballet.
“Otis plays a very prominent part,” explains Carol Kelly, executive director of the Centre. “I saw a private screening, and the final scene is a close-up of his face,” she adds, chuckling.
DVDs of the show are also available at the centre. Some copies have been specially ‘autographed’ by Otis, who turns six next spring.
His foot was dipped in acrylic paint and he gave his official stamp to promote his burgeoning stardom.
“He had a blast,” recalls Kelly of observing Otis on set. His part took three days to film.
“We all commented on how he appeared to having fun. The director also said Otis was the best animal he had ever worked with.
“He was excellent – we were so pleased with him,” she said.
There’s no doubt more film work will be on the way.
“He’s gained a bit of a reputation, so there will no doubt be more work in the future. His fees also help support educational programs at the centre.
To celebrate Otis’ first full length film, the centre is also offering autographed photos of Otis with each order of a 2009 Wildlife Centre calendar.
To order, call 403-728-3467 or email info@mrwc.ca by Dec. 31.
Founded in 1984, the Medicine River Wildlife Centre is a nonprofit organization operating under federal and provincial permits to care for injured and orphaned wildlife.
The centre treats close to 1,000 wildlife patients annually.
Patients arrive from all areas of Alberta.
Patients are accepted 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
For more information, check out the website at www.medicineriverwildlifecentre.ca.
mweber@reddeer.greatwest.ca 403-309-5459
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