On Valentines Day 1985, biologist Stacey OBrien first met a four-day-old baby barn owl -- a fateful encounter that would turn into an astonishing 19-year saga. With nerve damage in one wing, the owlets ability to fly was forever compromised, and he had no hope of surviving on his own in the wild. OBrien, a young assistant in the owl laboratory at Caltech, was immediately smitten, promising to care for the helpless owlet and give him a permanent home. Wesley the Owl is the funny, poignant story of their dramatic two decades together.
With both a tender heart and a scientists eye, OBrien studied Wesleys strange habits intensively and first-hand -- and provided a mice-only diet that required her to buy the rodents in bulk (28,000 over the owls lifetime). As Wesley grew, she snapped photos of him at every stage like any proud parent, recording his life from a helpless ball of fuzz to a playful, clumsy adolescent to a gorgeous, gold-and-white, macho adult owl with a heart-shaped face and an outsize personality that belied his 18-inch stature. Stacey and Wesleys bond deepened as she discovered Wesleys individual personality, subtle emotions, and playful nature that could also turn fiercely loyal and protective -- though she could have done without Wesleys driving away her would-be human suitors!
OBrien also brings us inside the prestigious research community, a kind of scientific Hogwarts where resident owls sometimes flew freely from office to office and eccentric, brilliant scientists were extraordinarily committed to studying and helping animals all of them were changed by the animal they loved. As OBrien gets close to Wesley, she makes important discoveries about owl behavior, intelligence, and communication, coining the term "The Way of the Owl" to describe his inclinations: he did not tolerate lies, held her to her promises, and provided unconditional love, though he was not beyond an occasional sulk. When OBrien develops her own life-threatening illness, the biologist who saved the life of a helpless baby bird is herself rescued from death by the insistent love and courage of this wild animal.
Enhanced by wonderful photos, Wesley the Owl is a thoroughly engaging, heartwarming, often funny story of a complex, emotional, non-human being capable of reason, play, and, most important, love and loyalty. It is sure to be cherished by animal lovers everywhere.
Rate Points :5.0
Binding :Hardcover
Label :Free Press
Manufacturer :Free Press
ProductGroup :Book
Studio :Free Press
Publisher :Free Press
EAN :9781416551737
Price :$23.00USD
Lowest Price :$11.49USD
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