Cute though this Screech Owl might be, the reason for admission is anything but. Some person – misguided, ignorant, or both – clipped the owl’s flight feathers, intending to keep the owl as a pet, senseless to the fact this is a wild animal unsuited to captivity. A crucial reminder that owls are not pets.

Birds of prey should not be kept in captivity unless for very specific circumstances such as rehabilitation, education, or research, and even then only in the care of trained experts. Owls require a very particular diet, professional care, as well as large volumes of space for flight.

Though details aren’t given in the original post, we can surmise what happened: the owl was illegally caught, and the prospective owner cut the owl’s feathers to prevent the owl flying. Then presumably, after discovering this species is loud and active at night, and requires a huge amount of work to keep, they gave up and abandoned the bird.

We are fortunate then, that the world has many caring and helpful people, some of whom rescued the owl and brought him to an expert wildlife clinic, Refugio de ‘Jason’, headed by Ileana Cotes (a.k.a The Owl Whisperer) in Panama.

Original post – 18 May 2026
by Owl Whisperer

located in Panama City, Panama 🇵🇦
Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Original text:

This Screech-Owl had the feathers of his wings cut, as well as his tail feathers, putting his life in serious danger. 😞

A raptor without his flight feathers and tail feathers is left extremely vulnerable: the bird cannot fly properly, maneuver, escape predators, or find food normally.

Thankfully, the Screech Owl was rescued in time. Now, it begins a process of care, recovery, and patience until the feathers grow back and he can have a second chance.🙏🏻

Link to donate to Owl Whisperer for those willing and able.

xo owlsintowels

💛🦉

Original post – 19 Jun 2025
by Owl Whisperer | Refugio de “Jason”

located in Panama City, Panama 🇵🇦
Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Original text in Español:

“Couchie”, uno de nuestros embajadores, presentó signos tempranos de dificultad respiratoria. Actuamos de inmediato y gracias a una evaluación veterinaria oportuna, confirmamos que no se trata de nada serio.
👉La intervención temprana hace toda la diferencia. Gracias, Dorita, @dutarydora @centrovetpanama por tu atención precisa y profesional. 👏👩‍⚕️🩺🦉

Translated text:

“Couchie”, one of our ambassadors, showed early signs of respiratory difficulty. We acted quickly, and thanks to prompt veterinary evaluation, we confirmed it’s nothing serious.
👉 Intervention makes all the difference. Thank you, Dorita, @dutarydora @centrovetpanama for your accurate and professional care. 👏👩‍⚕️🩺🦉

Update 21 June 2025:

🦉”Couchie” is still getting better 💚🦉
Good news! Our beloved ambassador Couchie is recovering well. With his watchful eyes and silent strength, he reminds us how resilient these little night guardians are. Thank you all for your kind wishes and continued support

Update 6 July 2025:

He is doing great! Back to normal

Note: Couchie remains at the sanctuary due to his health condition – he does not have a robust immune system. So unfortunately he cannot be released, but he has become a “coach” for the young owls handed to the shelter. Good job Couchie.

For bonus Couchie content see @owl.whisperer’s highlights on instagram

Link to donate to Owl Whisperer for those willing and able.

xo owlsintowels

💛🦉

Original post – 17 Jan 2021
by Owl Whisperer | Refugio de “Jason”

located in Panama City, Panama 🇵🇦
Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Original text in Español:

Nuestra “Gema” preciosa (Búho Listado – Asio clamator). La estaba curando porque se hizo una pequeña herida tratando de subir a la parte más alta de uno de los recintos en nuestro refugio, pero ya está bien. 🙏
Por otro lado, debe ser difícil para esta ave no contar con una de sus alas. Esto le impide volar.

---

Translated text:

Our precious “Gema”, (Striped Owl – Asio clamator). I was healing her because she got a little wound while trying to climb to the highest part of the biggest enclosure. Now, she is okay. 🙏
It must be difficult for this bird to deal with the missing wing that allowed her to fly before.

xo owlsintowels

💛🦉