Texas Family’s Creative Animal Rescue
A Texas family recently made headlines for their quick and inventive animal rescue. They saved a baby bird by wrapping it in a tortilla, earning widespread praise for their compassionate actions.
The Rescue
On July 13, the Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Amarillo shared the story on Facebook. The center described how the Adlong family found what they thought was an orphaned barn owl. Lacking a box for the bird, they had to get creative.
Katie Adlong explained in an interview with the Guardian, “I wrapped the bird in a warm tortilla. That was all I had.”
Discovery and Recovery
When a rehabber arrived at the Adlongs’ home, they found the bird wrapped in the tortilla. It turned out to be a Mississippi Kite, a hawk-like species, not a barn owl.
Katie Adlong, 36, had spotted the Mississippi Kite while her family was barbecuing and swimming. Worried the bird was cold, she warmed a tortilla on the barbecue grill and wrapped the bird in it.
The animal rehab center commented, “It was an inventive method to keep the baby warm, and surprisingly, it worked.”
Taquito’s New Home
The bird, now named Taquito (Spanish for “little taco”), was taken to the rehab facility. Reports indicate Taquito is recovering well.
“It’s heartwarming to see this baby bird safe and healthy,” Adlong said.
Going Viral
The Adlongs’ creative rescue went viral after the story was shared on Facebook. The Wild West Wildlife center even started selling T-shirts with the phrase “Tortillas save lives” and an image of the bird wrapped in a tortilla.
One Facebook user commented, “Never underestimate the power of a tortilla.” Another joked, “A birdito, if you will,” referencing burritos.
About Mississippi Kites
Mississippi Kites are common across the US, living in fields, meadows, grasslands, forests, woodlands, and lakes. According to the National Audubon Society, they primarily eat large insects and small rodents.