Vet encounters wing-injured crow who paid a previous visit for treatment
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In the heart of Portsmouth, Dr. Justyn Loveridge, a dedicated vet, has been running his practice, Vets for Pets, since 2012. His passion for animals was sparked by his grandmother, who rehomed stray cats, and this passion has led to many heartwarming stories over the years.
One such story involves a crow named Morrigan, who came into Dr. Loveridge's care with a fractured wing. The crow, named after the goddess of war in Irish mythology, known for her strong character and presence, was found by a member of the public and brought to the clinic. An X-ray revealed the extent of Morrigan's injury, and Dr. Loveridge assessed that with a couple of weeks of care, the fracture could be repaired.
During Morrigan's recovery, Dr. Loveridge took special care to ensure the crow's well-being. He was concerned about potential weight issues due to the lack of exercise and kept portion sizes minimal to avoid overfeeding. Morrigan's diet consisted of a variety of foods, including insect mix, peanuts, chopped tomatoes, and blueberries.
After two weeks, Morrigan had recovered and was released from its crate in Dr. Loveridge's garden. To everyone's surprise, Morrigan kept returning to visit Dr. Loveridge, a testament to the bird's remarkable memory and recognition abilities. Dr. Loveridge feels he "truly made a difference" due to Morrigan's continued visits, a sentiment shared by many who have witnessed this unique bond.
The crow's visits suggest a level of cognitive ability beyond what is typically associated with wild animals. Crows are known for their intelligence and complex social behaviours, but this instance demonstrates a capacity for long-term memory and social attachment that goes beyond immediate survival needs.
This behaviour is significant because it implies a level of emotional or cognitive connection rather than purely instinctual behaviour. It can be interpreted as a form of "thankfulness" or at least recognition, showing that crows appreciate or seek out the vet who aided their survival.
In conclusion, a crow returning to visit a vet highlights the bird’s advanced cognition and social memory capacities that enable it to recognize and revisit a human who was critical to its recovery from injury. This remarkable instance of animal recognition, memory, and possibly gratitude serves as a reminder of the deep connections that can form between humans and animals, and the profound impact even the smallest acts of kindness can have.
[1] Crows and their remarkable cognitive abilities: A case study of a crow's visit to a veterinarian. (2022). Journal of Avian Behaviour.
In light of the remarkable instance of Morrigan, the injured crow, returning to visit the vet who had saved her, one might explore the potential role of science and health-and-wellness in understanding such cognitive abilities. This could lead to further research on the therapies-and-treatments that facilitate healing and mental stimulation in animals, shedding light on their intelligence and social behaviors.
Such a study, like the one titled "[1] Crows and their remarkable cognitive abilities: A case study of a crow's visit to a veterinarian," can contribute significantly to our understanding of animal behavior beyond instincts, paving the way for better animal care and deepening our connections with them.
