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 🇵🇦
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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
💛🦉
| Species | Common Name | More info |
|---|---|---|
| Megascops asio | Eastern Screech Owl | Wiki link |
