Injured great horned owl 'hugs' rescue worker

VANCLEAVE, Miss., June 8 (UPI) -- A recovering great horned owl at an animal rescue facility in Mississippi was photographed embracing one of the rescue workers.

Wild at Heart Rescue shared photos of the president of the rescue, Douglas Pojeky, holding GiGi the wounded owl as the bird wrapped its wings around him appearing to give him a hug.

"Doug was checking on his little patient, and this is what happened. She threw both wings around him and gave him an owl hug," they wrote.

Wild at Heart founder Missy Dubuisson told The Dodo that GiGi arrived at the rescue with significant head trauma in late May.

"This bird was one of the most critical we have ever taken care of," she said. "The fact that this bird has lived is beyond comprehension."

Throughout her time at the rescue GiGi developed a bond with Pojeky and was also photographed nuzzling heads with the caring rescue worker after he returned from a trip to his hometown in Michigan.

"There are truly no words to describe what happens here between Doug and these birds of prey," the rescue wrote on Facebook. "It's like they communicate. And I actually don't think anybody in this world has a relationship with birds of prey like he does."

GiGi has seen considerable improvement since arriving at the rescue and is expected to be released thanks to the help of Pojeky and the other workers.

"They show their gratitude. Nothing these birds of prey do any more surprises me. I have learned to accept the fact that it's just going to happen, and to have the camera ready at all times," the rescue page's Facebook page wrote.