Wesley and Stacey: A Love Story Between a Human and an Owl

Book Name: Wesley the Owl
Author Name: Stacey O'Brien

On Valentines Day of 1985, Stacey O'Brien received an unusual request... to adopt a five day old owlet with nerve damage in his right wing. Normally, in the laboratory where Stacey worked, the other biologists would have raised the baby with puppets, eventually releasing him into the wild. But this owl was different, his injuries were severe enough that he wouldn't be able to hunt at a level to sustain himself in the wild.

In this book, Stacey O'Brien beautifully describes the relationship that develops over the course of almost two decades.  Her purpose in writing the book is to show how owls can bond with humans. The owl, Wesley, develops levels of trust and love for Stacey that had never been seen before between owls and humans. At the beginning of their relationship, Stacey is a mother figure to Wesley. In his adolescence, Stacey unwillingly becomes Wesley's mate. Wesley thinks that Stacey is his girlfriend, in fact when Stacey invites male friends over Wesley became very territorial and protective. Wesley also likes to be affectionate, and even gives Stacey hugs by extending his wings fully around her.

One issue that is brought up in the book is whether people should be allowed to hold animals in captivity. In the laboratory where Stacey works, a group of angry protesters break in and set free a group of birds. Sadly the birds died when they were released into the wild because they do not know how to survive out of captivity. For this reason, Stacey decides to keep her pet, Wesley, a secret.  The only people she tells are her mom, best friend, and her coworkers at the laboratory. Stacey shows the importance of keeping animals in laboratories because then scientists are able to research them and use that research to save many different species. While Stacey feels bad about keeping Wesley away from other owls, she knows he would die in the wild or she would have to bring other owls into captivity, as well, which isn't fair to them.

Towards the end of the book Stacey suffers a life threatening illness that leaves her in the hospital with little energy to care for herself or for the owl. Also, she has almost no will to live. Sensing Stacy's sickened state, Wesley comforts her, keeps her company, and allows others to tend to his needs. The book ends with a final embrace between them.

Links to More Information About Wesley & Stacey:
A Video of Stacey and Wesley in Action
Wesley the Barn Owl

Facts about Owls