STONEHAM, Mass. —

Staff at the Stone Zoo in Stoneham, Massachusetts, are mourning the loss of their beloved barn owl, Valkyrie.

The 15-year-old died from natural causes over the weekend, according to zoo officials.

Valkyrie hatched at Franklin Park Zoo in 2010 and was later moved to the Stoneham facility, where she served as an animal ambassador.

“You definitely had to earn Valkyrie’s trust," said Katie Corbett, assistant director of education at the Stone Zoo. "She was truly beloved by all, and made a huge impact on the thousands of visitors that attended our daily owl chats over the last few years.”

At Valkyrie's advanced age, she was considered geriatric.

Officials say her long life is a testament to the care she received at Zoo New England.

"Val will be dearly missed," the Frank

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