Tributes have been paid to an owl named Yoda after he died from cancer.
The 13-year-old, who is named after the Star Wars character and has lived at the Scottish Owl Centre for the last 11 years, passed away at the sanctuary earlier this week. His death was revealed in a post on the Facebook page for the centre, which is based at Polkemmet Country Park, in Whitburn, West Lothian.
Senior Keeper, Trystan Williams said: "I'm very sad to report the loss of our male Eastern Siberian Eagle Owl, named Yoda by the keepers. After a more thorough check up and vet examination this week it was found that he had an inoperable tumour, so the difficult decision was made to let him go peacefully.
"He was with us for 11 of his 13 years, but not long enough. As is the cruel way with cancer, it can strike at any age. I'll always remember him being handsome, fierce, dignified and huge, the size of a female Eurasian Eagle Owl.
"When I started working with him 11 years ago I'd never seen a male Eagle Owl so big, but he had a soft hoot and an inquisitive nature.
"He was a magnificent owl. I will miss him a lot."
Several people paid their respects and sending their well wishes in response to the news. Natalie Berry said: "Trystan, Jim and I are so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful, beautiful owl Yoda was...we understand your pain at losing him and we are thinking of you."
Carol Dutton posted: "Such sad news. Thank you for caring for him for so many years. Your words honour this magnificent owl. No more suffering."
Gail Roberts wrote: "So sorry to hear of your loss. He was a magnificent owl." And Rosie Shields said: "RIP Yoda. What a magnificent bird he was. Huge in size and character, a giant in so many ways.
"I’m sorry he has gone but you did the right thing in not letting him suffer. There will be a big hole in your lives today and for a while too. Remember his life, not his death."
The centre, which is just 30 minutes from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, has the largest collection of owls in the world, housing 150 from all over the world.
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