It was a warm, sunny Monday morning and I had just returned from dropping the kids off to school feeling fresh and ready to begin my workday. As I climbed the stairs to my attic studio I just remembered I needed to return something to my neighbour that she lent me over the weekend. As I went over to give it back to her we chatted for a couple of minutes as neighbours usually do. Just as I was leaving, she kindly suggested I borrow a book from her that she had just finished reading. “Here, read this Geri, I know how much you love animals so I’m sure you will love it as much as I did. It’s all about a lady who cares for an owl for the whole 19 years of it’s life. I cried at the ending” Karen said. I thanked Karen and couldn’t wait to start reading this intriguing book called “Wesley, The Story of a Remarkable owl” by Stacy O’Brien.
When I got back I placed the book down on the dining room table at the spot where I usually eat my lunch so that when lunchtime came around I could read it then. Although I knew I needed to start work and stick to my timetable my eyes became fixed to the cover of the book as I gazed with awe at this beautiful picture of an adorable, innocent baby owl. I felt an instant connection. I just had to open to the pages of the book.
This true story is of a young biologist named Stacy O’Brien who was given the opportunity to raise a four-day-old wild baby barn owl in captivity, as he was unable to fend for himself in the wild due to nerve damage to one of his wings. She willingly took on the enormous responsibility of being Wesley’s carer for the rest of his life.
He depended on her for his survival. Her job was to record the owls growth and observe its behaviour so that scientists could gain a more thorough understanding of them. Stacy named the baby owl Wesley.
Over the years she developed a form of communication that Wesley could clearly understand and she came to understand his form of communication not only through his sounds but also through his body language. Their bond and trust became deeper and deeper day by day. She learned things that went way beyond science; things that science could never measure. Her life with this wonderful bird proved there is more to animals than the human mind can comprehend. What is more, this amazing owl saved Stacy’s life.
Learning about Wesley has deepened my appreciation and respect for animals even more and reinforced the truth that love is the most powerful and universal form of communication no matter ‘how’ or ‘what’ the language is. When we realize that animals and humans are sentient beings we can respect that connection and hence aspire to preserve animals and their habitat as well as live in harmony with each other.
Reading this book has taught me a lot about patience, commitment and sacrifice but most importantly of all, that some challenges can turn out to be our greatest gifts.
I highly recommend reading “Wesley, The story of a Remarkable owl” if you wish to understand wildlife more and bring that quality into your artwork.