Man Finds Dying Majestic Owl on the Side of the Road, Brings Him Home and Nurses Him Back to Health

Owls have been omens in many cultures, but also symbols of wisdom and knowledge. These powerful birds are an important part to our woods' ecosystems and they deserve the utmost respect. The usual good advice would be to leave these birds alone. But when such an important and majestic creature is visibly very injured, it takes a kind soul to come to its aid—and this TikToker did just that. 

Most likely a barred owl, a common owl species found in Minnesota. The thing about these owls, is that if they've had any chicks at all they become extremely territorial, so it was quite a risk for @tonguetwist23 to approach this winged creature. But good thing he did, because it seemed to have been injured. A woman who works with raptor birds commented on the post saying, “it’s because he is unwell /injured. I’ve worked with raptors and exotics—thank you for saving him but please get him to a rehab center [and] be careful of his talons, they can shred you.”

The video instantly went viral with viewers begging for updates on the rescue of this beautiful sky dweller. Each second unfolds as an emotional roller coaster. First, you see the TikToker running to the birds aid with his car just parked on the side of a large road. He thinks the bird might be dead already or just too far gone to save, but he wraps him up and takes him anyways. As he has the bird wrapped in cloth his vest and placed in his car, he notices the bird moving and opening its eyes. 

The TikToker takes the majestic bird home and is amazed to find how docile and sweet the bird is. The animal allows him to pet him and even looks like he's enjoying it. He eventually starts attempting to feed him and says he “loves” the animal and would try to keep it if he could—but he and his viewers all know that was never an option for this wild creature. The TikToker had to keep the owl overnight while he awaited for a rescue who knows how to deal with owls to come pick up the bird in the morning. 

It's bittersweet when he has to say goodbye to his new little friend, but was happy to pass him along to people who could really help him. He commented an update saying, “the rehab came and got him. I fed and watered him on the second day. I wanted to keep it but the way he kept looking at my ferrets...” Many viewers— experienced and not— are quick to jump into the comments saying how it's illegal to own an owl and how it would be both irresponsible and cruel to keep it. But the TikToker replies assuring his attentions were always to just help the bird, not keep him as a pet. The owl is now in rehabilitation and hopefully doing better—viewers still beg for another update of the bird in the rehab. 

Owl Rescue: