Many creatures in the wild demonstrate such a strong motherly instinct that they will care for young ones, even if not biologically related.
Orphaned animals, in need of a parental figure, have often found solace in surrogate mothers, creating a heartwarming and mutually beneficial bond.
Recently, a touching story unfolded when a barren owl was entrusted with the care of two orphaned chicks as her own. It was a moment of immense joy for her to finally experience motherhood.
Robert Fuller, a wildlife rehabilitator and nature artist based in Thixendale, North Yorkshire, UK, had witnessed Luna, a tawny owl, facing challenges in becoming a mother over the past couple of years.
Despite her persistent efforts, Luna had not been successful in raising any offspring. Robert noted, “Not only did her eggs fail to hatch this year, but she also experienced egg loss last year,” shared Robert.
However, a silver lining emerged as Luna, struggling with her own maternal journey, was introduced to two orphaned owl chicks in need of nurturing.
These chicks had been discovered on the ground of a local farm after falling from their nest.
“Due to their tender age, these owl chicks were at risk of succumbing to the cold as they require constant parental care at this stage,” Robert described.
Relying on his experience, Robert placed the orphaned chicks in Luna’s care, hoping she would accept them as her own.
Robert mentioned, “I often introduce orphaned or lost owl chicks into tawny owl nests, and these birds instinctively adopt the young chicks as their own.”
Their innate drive to protect and nurture shone through.
The carefully orchestrated plan bore fruit as captured in a heartening video showing Luna’s initial encounter with the owl chicks in her nest, exuding sheer delight at the prospect of caring for them.
Upon encountering the orphaned chicks, Luna wasted no time in enfolding them in her wings, treating them as if they were her biological offspring, providing warmth and security.
Robert expressed, “After a prolonged wait, Luna has finally found her calling as a mother.”
In an update, Robert shared Luna’s positive progress in nurturing the chicks, highlighting her gentle and caring nature towards them.
While the orphaned chicks will soon outgrow the stage of being brooded, for now, they are under the loving and protective wing of their newfound mother.
Robert wrote, “These owl chicks have settled into their new abode for a week now, thriving under Luna’s affectionate care. Witnessing her embrace the young ones is truly heartening.”
Such a heartwarming tale showcasing the boundless love of a mother. We rejoice with the mother owl as she fulfills her dream of having a family, while the orphaned chicks find solace in her nurturing presence.
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