Injured OWL given brand new wings after falling into fire!

[@bruceschneider4928]

Maru isn't just a kind, smart, and talented vet, she's also an artist.

[@wildlifeaid]

She is indeed! :)

[@ExIudicium]

Yes, she is all those things. I just wish she came with English subtitles! I can’t understand half of what she says but would like to.

[@MelinaAcosta569]

@@ExIudicium .. she's not that bad.. but you can activate the closed caption feature and it will give you the subtitles.

[@sakelaine2953]

@@ExIudicium Her accent is nice. Your ear will catch it properly with time, it is just a matter of exposure.

[@davidvaldepijas1761]

@@ExIudicium Maru García is from Spain. If there were such a talented British vet around here, her accent would be the least of my worries.

[@leandrobravo3319]

That title scared me a bit. I love owls, they are just so, so cute with the little faces and the impressiv feet. I am happy Maru worked her magic and gave this littleone her freedom back. Thank you so much.

[@wildlifeaid]

Thanks so much for the support :)

[@ellizaarahim]

This is so cool, never knew this was possible. Donor feathers, a dedicated team of specialists and a burned owl flies again. Impressive work, Doc Maru!

[@wildlifeaid]

Thanks very much!

[@mircat28]

Will it grow replacement feathers or do these have to work for the rest of its life?

[@chaotixthefox]

@@mircat28 These feather will be replaced over the course of it's natural molting.

[@catherinehubbard1167]

What a marvelous, painstaking, meticulous skill - a true art, really - applied with care and patience to give the burned owl another chance. It’s also moving that even birds who died still can donate their feathers to a living injured bird to allow them to fly again. Wonderful, all of it.

[@gottagowork]

I had no idea that was possible. Owl gets new cyberware implants.

[@wildlifeaid]

It's an amazingly useful method!

[@foreverhomepetrescue]

This is one of the most amazing procedures I never knew was possible. Skill, patience, time... and a life saved. Wow.

[@joannfuhrer3114]

Besides every video with a baby fox, this one is my favorite. Thank you!

[@nenaelliott8058]

It amazes me that such a thing as imping exists. I'm older and it just blows my mind how things have changed since I was a kid... It's awesome. 🎄⛄🦌⛄🎄

[@wildlifeaid]

Thanks very much! It's an incredible technique!

[@julieenslow5915]

I believe it is a very old technique, but I don't think many would attempt it for so many feathers! Once they are set, they are good to go. When the bird has it's natural molt, they will fall out and new feathers will replace them. It is remarkable to see it done on a bird with 50 damaged flight feathers! She is a master!

[@katierandall9191]

@@julieenslow5915 Thank you for the info, I was wondering if they would be permanent or not.

[@Jim-ok9zi]

@@julieenslow5915 You’ve probably answered the questions everybody was thinking. 👍

[@patpierce4854]

Julie Enslow You are correct - imping has been done by falconers since the Middle Ages. More typically, the procedure is done to repair the primary flight feathers; imagine how poorly a jet aircraft would handle if a control surface like a wing flap, didn't work on one side. Birds of prey typically mount their flight feathers in pairs - same feather on each wing, so their precision hunting flights can still happen. To perform this kind of repair on pretty much all the flight feathers, plus the tail....wow! I think for this one owl, Dr. Maru repaired more feathers than most falconers would need to do in a lifetime!

[@katmandudawn8417]

I love to watch Maru fix feathers. She is so meticulous and happy and proud when the job is done.

[@wildlifeaid]

Thank you! Maru is a great vet!

[@sharonharker9942]

The poor thing was in such bad shape but Maru and staff worked their magic to give this little one a great Christmas gift...the gift of flight. The very best wishes to all the staff and volunteers at WAF.

[@wildlifeaid]

Thanks so much :)

[@Tantejay]

Maru is amazing

[@wildlifeaid]

Thanks so much!

[@Spike-ck5tj]

My word Maru has this down to a fine art. The owl looked magnificent. I do wonder what the owl thought when he woke up to find all his feathers had returned! Fantastic job.

[@phebiekittylobue8650]

Tears of joy here watching this. What wonders can be done that would allow this beautiful owl to fly so soon after burning so many feathers. Thank you so much for the miraculous and wonderful work you do and for sharing with us!

[@MissNinjaChild]

Amazing work as always and Maru is nothing short of a magician!

[@wildlifeaid]

Thanks so much :)

[@bobiboulon]

Maru, just performing magic, as usual. ^^

[@wildlifeaid]

Thank you very much!

[@rebeccarabbit3231]

I love the judgemental look that owls have, they always look offended.

[@wildlifeaid]

Haha, they always do seem to be judging your every move!

[@Silver_Owl]

I had two in my garden a week or so ago. Four eyes staring at me with disapproval.

[@Quibblet]

I tend to think the owls with yellow or orange eyes have more of that look.

[@peanut71968]

Little dude looked sort of surprised after that first fly!

[@nestpeeper]

The patients at WAF are truly blessed to have Dr Maru.

[@annika5893]

Tawny owl: "I want to try and see what this Father Christmas thing is all about." .... "That didn't fly so well."

[@wildlifeaid]

Haha!

[@bellehogel8665]

Hopefully that imping technique starts getting taught to all vets. Great way to help birds.

[@jools2323]

That's amazing! What a fantastic vet!

[@laurlicia]

Amazing work! I have never heard of imping but what a wonderful thing to do! Then as the feathers shed, they will be replaced by his new ones again. Genius!

[@wildlifeaid]

Thanks very much, that's completely correct :)

[@biscaya08]

What a great rescue and so good that he could be released so quickly. Well done!!

[@wildlifeaid]

Thanks so much :)

[@rosiefay7283]

Maru, your skill always imp-resses me.

[@TheCaptaininsaino]

I agree - Maru's work is so imp-ortant.

[@wildlifeaid]

I see what you did there...

[@NoJusticeNoPeace]

I wonder if anyone ever finds shed feathers with wooden shafts and is mystified by them.

[@rosethehat2073]

Hmm I wonder if they shed those feathers.

[@thesecretroman]

@@rosethehat2073 I can't say for sure but they probably do. I highly doubt they would do anything to the owl that would cause problems down the line.

[@raccoonair]

Thank you Maru...

[@TheDjnatronic]

AMAZING, this is the second video where Vet is replacing feathers.......AMAZING WORK!

[@philippenaluna2312]

That was an extraordinary thing. I'd no idea that there was such a technique. That must have been so gratifying for Maru, especially when such a fine tawny owl was ready to return to its natural habitat. Well done!!!

[@wildlifeaid]

This is such a great technique and it makes the world of difference to have a great vet too :)

[@dezsomodos1314]

Maru did amazing job. It so lovely to see the owl flying.

[@BTFOOMNY]

I find your "feather splicing" absolutely amazing. Just the concept is extraordinary. You all do such wonderful work.

[@candicesacks2211]

I love owls! Blessings 🙏🤗❤️

[@HelenaMikas]

What a wonderful procedure this is .Amazing result ..and the owl lives to fly again Hopefully nowhere near chimneys .. Thanks to all at WAF ---🦉👍❤️

[@LifeInABoxorigin]

I was so doubtful, but wow! This is so wonderful!

[@sweetdaisy9918]

lovely... this has become my new favorite channel. God bless you people, for your marvellous love and caring for these creatures.

[@wildlifeaid]

Thanks so much, glad you like our videos!

[@patriciakunz1198]

Beautiful staff make for loved and beautiful animals.

[@tyn999]

Great job, Maru! 👍🏻

[@brightbite]

Wow, Maru is an ARTIST!! What amazing work!!

[@LaurentValette1234]

Every little life is so important, thank you for your loving works.

[@steuk6510]

Aww it's clever hope he gets well soon

[@lorispicer4598]

So despite the new feathers being glued into place, when the birds new feathers emerge the implanted feathers will fall out? That's one very lucky bird♥️🐾🦅

[@JH-lz4dh]

This is an amazing art to save birds.

[@wildlifeaid]

Thanks so much. It's an amazing technique :)

[@catsara9114]

AMAZING! A feather transplant! You are a wonderful team, giving wild animals so much love!

[@wildlifeaid]

Thanks so much!

[@richarddefour5220]

Extraordinaire, merci pour ce que vous faites.

[@Kim-lc3fv]

I love all your videos.💕 You guys do so much good for British/English wildlife! 👍

[@wildlifeaid]

Thanks so much, that's kind of you to say!

[@lakehuron7733]

Just brilliant--the time and care and dedication you all have for these injured animals does wonders for my heart--thank you all so much.

[@alanross2790]

Magnificent, much respect to the vet and the rescuers.

[@annhollowell5352]

I'm so happy W A F won the money. Thankyou for all the wonderful clips. Needed more than ever during lockdowns. Keep me positive.

[@FnLn55]

I am totally impressed! I had no idea that was possible! Thank you!

[@wildlifeaid]

Thanks so much :)

[@astrid7192]

Doc Maru alias Never give up .💪

[@Shinzon23]

Aw, poor little hoot. Glad they got s second chance

[@SL-sd3sg]

I’m amazed, and have learnt something today. Thank you for fixing and looking after our wildlife.

[@DuckQuac]

So cool how you can replace the feathers with some one elses. Thanks for helping him!

[@DanielRenardAnimation]

WAF were also the first to teach me about that procedure. It's so incredibly fascinating. 😃

[@DuckQuac]

@@DanielRenardAnimation Right? It's so neat!

[@wildlifeaid]

Thanks very much! It's an amazing (and very useful) procedure!

[@svharken6907]

what a miracle! thank heavens for all the skill and patience and love to repair what was damaged by the presence of man.

[@drkatel]

This is just remarkable! I’m in awe. I had no idea that imping was a thing. What a lucky owl, except for the part about falling onto a fire.

[@flibbertygibbet]

That was just lovely, As I often say my favorites are when the animal is set free to live his or her life in the wild.

[@t.s.butler191]

Beautiful Bird taken to Beautiful People, who do Beautiful work at a Beautiful Job, Just Beautiful. (and I bet Maru can design quite a Beautiful costume with the Talent she has) HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

[@surefire8568]

I can’t believe I’ve never heard of this procedure until I started watching your videos. Amazing and very educational! Thanks to Simon and his wonderful team for all their hard work saving British wildlife. Merry Christmas from 🇨🇦!

[@7catsmom959]

Maru is a goddess! Happy Christmas to all.

[@stacysalinas22]

Wow! That was great! Poor little guy. Fantastic rescue!

[@krishnaben9281]

Thank you for helping poor owl 🙏🙏

[@Hin_Håle]

Wonderful work by Maru! It's amazing that this method works so well!

[@Wendy-cj5yz]

The replacing of the feathers is really clever. Lovely to see the release. Great work 😎

[@wildlifeaid]

Thanks so much :)

[@tomsuibney9093]

You learn someone new every day, replacing a birds wings i wouldn't have thought possible, Amazing

[@Trudi-io6ny]

Wow what an amazing skill this lady has. Brilliant! 🦉

[@jenmu7870]

Fantastic work!

[@wildlifeaid]

Thank you!

[@Dave52732]

I just wanted to wish all of you at Wildlife Aid a Merry Christmas, and a Happier New Year! I truly enjoy all of your exploits, thanks for sharing!

[@vphiameradisogaarwa]

The work you all do is amazing, you are heroes! Bravo.

[@louisetm6628]

Thank you so much for everything you do for wildlife. Everyone, please watch the ads all the way through as this makes more money for this fantastic channel 🙂❤

[@wildlifeaid]

Thank you for your support Louise :)

[@TimeTheory2099]

Thanks Waf team's 👍 Question: how long to regrow feathers naturally, a year?

[@demopem]

Predatory birds like owls do partial or gradual "moulting" since they can't be "grounded" for a few weeks (like some other species). So it can probably take months, if not a year or more, to replace all of them.

[@wildlifeaid]

It depends on the species, but a full set like this can take up to a year. The stress of captivity over that sort of timescale is not justifiable, hence the imping :)

[@chisholmtrailrides4602]

@@wildlifeaid I did not know that it took that long for predatory birds to regrow their feathers, you learn something new every day!

[@RickDanner]

@@wildlifeaid does the replaced feathers lst or do they grow new ones ? amazing

[@Bejewelle88]

Beautiful job! Lucky bird!

[@pokefan213]

I like how sometimes the animals hesitate a second or 2 when being released as if saying thank you for the help

[@susanwilliams2392]

Doners, and the doctors who use their gifts, are so incredibly important. Regardless of what part is needed, or what species they are. Fantastic work as always

[@wildlifeaid]

Thanks so much :)

[@piapogorelcnik6319]

You guys are amazing!! Hats off to you!

[@_Nyxus_]

It's so interesting to see things like this. Before this channel, I had no idea that you could replace feathers that way. There's always something new to learn from this channel. Thank you so much for posting and for explaining things!

[@malditomalo619]

this was an amazing video. THANK YOU for what you did to that owl. you are AMAZING👏😎

[@wildlifeaid]

Thanks so much. :)

[@dwightmagnuson4298]

I'm a pilot with 50 years flying experience; the last 20 in tail-wheeled aircraft which are notorious for difficult landing issues. The point of this is that I can see the delicate aerodynamics Maru faced getting the replacement feathers in place with the right stiffness, size, angle of attack and the correct relationship with the adjacent feathers. Flight is a delicate balance of many factors; especially with a flapping wing. Dozens of experimenters in the 19th century tried (and failed) to copy how birds flew. Maru's work is extraordinary!

[@qrubmeeaz]

Aah Maru, you're a miracle worker!

[@ingeborg-anne]

Maru is such an excellent vet

[@shannonbrady2816]

WoW, serious surgery, soooo cool!!!!

[@wildlifeaid]

Thanks very much!

[@zsong9600]

I so needed this today. Thank you.

[@pettere8429]

Just curious, how specific do you have to be when getting the donor feathers? Does it have to be the same species or just from something of similar size or colour?

[@patpierce4854]

I heard that falconers normally collect the long flight and tail feathers of their birds when they moult, and keep them for imping repairs like this one. Usually, a bird of prey moults wing feathers in pairs - say, the third ones from the wing tip, on both wings - at the same time. This helps their flight stay balanced as the new feathers grow in. I believe many birds follow similar moulting patterns, as I noticed this happening with my own canaries and parrots. The new feathers growing in are tender and need protecting; until the whole new feather is totally grown back, it has a rich blood supply, and injury to the feather shaft can actually make a small bird bleed to death.

[@heatherjones6490]

I’ve seen this procedure before in videos. I’m surprised they’re able to replace so many feathers. Is there a point where the weight of the dowels and glue would become a problem? Great work as always!!

[@pcbacklash_3261]

I know this phrase is overused a lot, but when it comes to repairing the wings of birds, Maru truly IS a miracle worker! Who could imagine that an owl with wings burned that badly could ever fly again, or survive? I've seen her do this operation before, but every time I do, I'm still amazed!

[@wildlifeaid]

It is such a fantastic thing to be able to do. We're just glad that we were able to help this beautiful bird

[@skiersobolski]

Really, you accomplish miracles.

[@danaleelavelle3708]

Amazing you can do this. I'm impressed!

[@branchen6299]

Absolutely incredible!

[@FirstLast-po8oz]

can you imagine waking up and being like, "dang have these looked like this this whole time?"

[@raymondwu737]

FULL OF LOVE💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@brendasnow8255]

How amazing. Wonderful to be able to do that.

[@pattiklaus9580]

That was amazing!

[@wildlifeaid]

Thank you!

[@MsPixi66]

You guys are wonderful ty

[@amandadonegan2137]

Amazing work. All of you are wonderful xxx

[@wildlifeaid]

Thanks so much :)

[@karenhorton2345]

This is amazing- thank you

[@Johnny-tt8zc]

Maru is awesome. I love owls.except the screech owl that scared the mess out of me when camping. Take care of yourselves and stay safe.🍻🎄

[@wildlifeaid]

Thanks so much, and the same to you!

[@mjacobs5875]

Who would ever think that there was such a thing as feather transplants. Amazing!!

[@someone3187]

Awe this is heartwarming x

[@katierandall9191]

Another fantastic rescue 🙂🦉

[@Knight766]

Incredible work

[@lisacasoli]

Ooh. An owl very interesting to see the feathers put on him Great job.

[@cajoonthemove-carolinejoch3371]

So amazing and wonderful! 😍👍😍