GiGi the great horned owl was in a bad way when she arrived to Wild at Heart Rescue, a Mississippi animal rescue center. While it isn't known for sure what caused her injuries, staff at the shelter believe she may have been hit by a car.
The owl had suffered severe head trauma and had a concussion, as well as enduring a condition known as aspergillosis, which affects the respiratory system, and she was also riddled with parasites.
The rescue's founder, Missy Dubuisson, said, "This bird was one of the most critical we have ever taken care of. The fact that this bird has lived is beyond comprehension."
Fortunately, staff, including the organization's president, Douglas Pojeky, were able to nurse GiGi back to health. It seems like Pojeky, known as the "birds of prey whisperer," had developed a rather remarkable bond in the process.
But Pojeky didn't realize just how much of an impression he'd made on the owl until he went away to Michigan to see his family.
When he returned to the center, he got an incredibly heartwarming welcome from the owl.
GiGi seemed to instantly recognize him, hopping right onto his chest and wrapping her wings around him.
The beautiful moment was captured on camera and shared on the shelter's Facebook page.
Dubuisson said that it brings tears to her eyes watching Pojeky interact with the birds. "They absolutely know him and trust him," she said. "It's the trust that you see in her face."
"In all my years of working with birds of prey, I have never seen someone with such a bond with these magnificent birds," she added.
You can find out more about the owl and all of the great things the rescue center is doing on the Wild at Heart Rescue Facebook page.
[H/T The Dodo]
