In pictures: Safari park keeper has a hoot hand-rearing owl chick at home

THESE terrific pictures show what life is like for a safari keeper hand-rearing a fledgling owl… in his house!

Six-and-a half-week old European eagle owl chick Benedict has been making himself at home with Dave Warren as part of the process.

Imprinting, or hand rearing, an owl is a process used to totally desensitise the bird to everyday disturbances that may otherwise scare it.

Blair Drummond Safari Park keeper Mr Warren has been looking after the owl while his nieces Keetah, 12, and Sasha Boulton, 14, from Canada came to visit.

Sasha said: “We knew Dave worked at the safari park but we didn’t realise he would be bringing it home with him.

“It was awesome to see Benedict, he was unexpectedly fluffy and very comical – we can’t wait to see him fly when he is a bit older.”

The bird is named after Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch because of its inquisitive nature, and Mr Warren has had his hands full as Benedict prepares to fly for the first time.

He said: “It’s been a hoot having Benedict in the house at the same time as the girls, he’s growing so fast, it’s hard to believe he’s only six-and-a-half weeks old.

“I’m in no doubt he’ll be a firm favourite when he makes his debut this weekend at the safari park’s bird of prey flying demonstrations”.