Let’s admit it, we’re all long for a nice spa break sometimes.
There’s nothing more relaxing than enjoying some good massages in a fragrant room with soothing music playing nearby, it can help us get
rid of all the tensions and forget all the stress after days of working our fingers to the bone. However, in this rescue owl’s eyes, spa treatments are absolutely not that desirable.
The morepork was taken in by Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery, Palmerston North, New Zealand not long ago. Given that he was suffering from some bacteria on his skin, the
staff at the rehabilitation center decided to give him a bubble bath so he could recover faster. According to supervisor Pauline Nijman, they really tried their best in hope that their little patient would be able to come back to the wild as soon as possible.
“We washed him with a medical soap that surgeons use on their hands, so it kills bacteria,” she said. “I gave him a wash, like I would do for an oiled bird, focusing on the skin. We wash them in a bath at 40 degrees because that’s their body temperature and after that he has a nice wee shower to get rid of all the soap suds of his feathers.”
The funny thing is, that brown critter looked totally unimpressed. He didn’t seem to be very happy about the luxurious spa treatment that he just received. Maybe it’s because the water ruined his beautiful coat. Without that fluffy plumage, he looked hilariously smol.
“There’s literally nothing to them, they’re all fluff. They only weigh about 80g, they are ridiculously small, but they have the attitude of a 600kg animal,” Nijman continued.
However, Nijman also revealed that this cute owl – as well as other moreporks, were fun to work with because of their humorous attitudes.
“They’re hilarious to work with because they have so much attitude – they click and stand-up and posture, and try and tell you they are the biggest and most ferocious animal you will ever come across,” she said.
Last but not least, Nijman didn’t forget to stress that more and more moreporks were showing up in urban spaces and people needed to be aware of their appearances. In case of emergency, they should call experts for help.
“I think people are really starting to take note and notice that they’re in their backyards, which is really cool,” she said. “If anyone comes across a sick or injured native wildlife they should take it to their vet or to a local wildlife rehab, or call the Department of Conservation.”
The morepork, also known as the guru, is a small brown owl with prominent pale spots spotted in New Zealand and Tasmania. As a widespread and generally common species, it is listed as “least concern” by the IUCN.
Isn’t this owl adorable? Please share his pics with your loved ones!
H/T: New Zealand Herald