Macramé Owl Desecration

This is perhaps the most astonishing Macramé Owl survival story we have heard of to date. Have tissues at the ready. This story will move you to tears.

A little over 2 weeks ago, far away in New Zealand, Colleen Millar innocently purchased a doormat. Concerned about the environment, Colleen was delighted when the shop keeper assured her that the mat was made of recycled materials. Rolled up tightly with cotton string, she took the doormat home.

When she unrolled it, some mysterious objects fell out.

She didn’t think much about it at the time. She simply laid the doormat out on her door step.

Colleen is an avid supporter of the Macramé Owl Sanctuary and a frequent visitor to our Facebook page. Upon reading our report about Macramé Owl poaching, she was mortified to learn that Macramé Owls are still be hunted for their jute. When she put two-and-two together, she became considerably alarmed. Were poached Macramé Owl bodies recycled for something as indignant as a doormat?! Desperate for advice, she sent us this picture of her doormat (see below) and expressed her distress at this inconceivable possibility.

The Macramé Owl Sanctuary Team hears many tragic stories of Macramé Owl neglect. But this story truly hit home. Sadly, we had to inform Colleen that she may have unknowingly been involved in an immoral transaction with this purchase. We advised her to check the mat carefully for any remnants of ceramic eye or beak. Colleen reports:

“It occured to me that I had noticed a feather or two in the house. I just thought they had been blown in by the wind. But suddenly, it just hit me like a ton of bricks. I ran to the door, and Bob, our cat, had already made the gruesome discovery. Bob had somehow flipped the mat over, and was investigating random pieces of Macramé Owl parts!

“I nearly heaved. It was a disgusting sight! Nonetheless, I knew I had to photo-document this so that other innocent shoppers are not deceived; that they will be alerted about what to look for; and that no Macramé Owl is victimized by this insane, inhumane criminality ever again.”

While we may never know what horrors this Macramé Owl has been through, or what he looked like in his former incarnation, there is a happy ending to this atrocity. This doormat landed in the hands of Colleen, a caring Macramé Owl advocate, who just so happens to work as a Sterilization Technician in a medical environment. Colleen explains:

“There are some fine surgeons on our team, so I asked for their advice, and pulled in a few favours,” said Colleen. “It was touch-and-go at times, and I really wasn’t sure Frankie would pull through reconstructive surgery following such a traumatic ordeal. It just goes to show you what immense survival spirit the Macramé Owl species has. We’ll save them from extinction yet!”

Pictured below, a relieved Colleen keeps Frankie warm as he recuperates from surgery at home. How did he get the name Frankie? Colleen reveals:

“Well, obviously, we didn’t know what variety of Macramé Owl he was. Or even if he was a he or a she! So we named ‘him’ Frankie, after Frankenstein. We felt it was appropriate since we rebuilt him from random Macramé Owl parts and gave him life. I admit, he is a bit odd looking, and has a tendency to stare at nothing in particular, but that is typical of most Macramé Owls… isn’t it?”

Out of all tragedy comes some good. Colleen has since volunteered to campaign for Macramé Owl Anti-Poaching laws to be introduced into New Zealand. She truly exemplifies our motto: WITTOSOMO! (Whatever It Takes To Save Our Macramé Owls!)

Clever Macramé Owl Rescue

From an upstairs window of her home, Loraine Gliser of Holts Summit, Missouri in the USA, spotted two rather large Albino Macramé Owls taking refuge in a tree in her back garden. With a mixture of alarm and excitement, she carefully ventured near and attempted to coax them down. But they must have been through quite an ordeal as they seemed to be paralyzed by fear and would not budge. She tried to subliminally mesmerize them, yet they remained motionless.

They stayed in the tree for quite some time.

After several phone calls to husband Mike Gliser, he was able to rush home to aid Loraine in the rescue. Fortunately, Mike had read up on Macramé handling techniques in the past. Now was his chance to put this knowledge into practice. However, his first attempt received some resistance.

It was then that the couple realized this pair would need greater persuasion. But what would entice them? Knowing that some species are drawn to shiny objects, Loraine had an idea. Fetching a gleaming green ribbon bow, she flashed it in the direction of the Macramé Owls. Then, holding it behind her back, she pretended to walk away, nonchalantly. Just look how the one on the left is relentlessly staring after her!

Well, this worked! Soon, the pair were making themselves very comfortable indoors!

Whoo is Curtis?

Variety
Miniature Long-tailed Spectacled Macramé Owl

Admitted
25 July 2009

Initial Assessment and History
First spotted by a railway yard fence, Curtis flew into the apartment window of a lady named Bess. Bess reports:

“He hopped timidly in the shrubbery. But I felt such a connection with him, like he wanted to come to me, but was too afraid. So I opened my window and just went about washing up some dishes in the kitchen. When I checked later, he had flown up to my window, and was resting against the window pane!”

Unable to care for him herself, Bess kindly brought Curtis to us. He is in outstanding condition.

Read more about Curtis.

Horace is Found

Variety
Scrawny Tawny Macramé Owl

Admitted
24 July 2009

Initial Assessment and History
This Macramé Owl was found emaciated (in veterinary terms) under the stairwell of an abandoned building in July 2009.

He was frightened and cold, and showed some signs of abuse. We suspect he had been there for days without food or water, yet he remained in remarkably good shape.

Since the rescue, it has come to our attention through Macramé Owl expert Sergé Jawolsky, who identified Horace as a Scrawny Tawny Macramé Owl, that his physiology and stature is typical of this variety of Macramé Owl, and that Horace is only slightly underweight. This has come as quite a relief.

Read more about Horace.

Discovering Mike in an Abandoned Warehouse

Variety
Pot Bellied Macramé Owl

Admitted
12 April 2009

Initial Assessment and History
Mike was discovered in an abandoned warehouse. He was seeking refuge in a broken filing cabinet. We know little about him or his history. He is avoiding eye contact.

Read more about Mike.

Saving Sherman from Himself

Variety
Typicus Macramé Owl

Admitted
23 November 2008

Initial Assessment and History
This macramé owl was well loved by his owner, who sadly passed away two years prior to our meeting. The extended family did not appreciate the needs of a macramé owl, and he was left to fend himself on the streets.

When we found Sherman, he was roaming a city alley, and ‘dumpster diving’ in this skip. He was ashamed and embarassed that his life had amounted to this, but he agreed to come with us and enter our 12 step program for boosting self esteem. He has since improved dramatically, is enrolled on a counselling course, and is even considering mentoring other macramé owls with a similar history.

Sherman’s intervention was a success, and the team was able to convince him to enter our rehabilitation program voluntarily. It remains to be seen whether he will complete treatment, or abscond.

Read more about Sherman.

Our First Macramé Owl Admission: Rosemary

Variety
Albino Macramé Owl

Admitted
9 November 2008

Initial Assessment and History
Rosemary was found trapped in a window of an abandoned building in Cardiff, Wales, UK. Although frightened, she was in good condition and showed signs of gratitude at being freed from the wire mesh.

Read more about Rosemary.

A Voice for Macramé Owls Everywhere! Finally.

What you have been waiting for. A blog about the plight of the Macramé Owl. Now, admirers far and wide can unite to spread the word about our love for this rapidly diminishing and elusive species. This blog is a place where you, too, can share your love and passion for the Macramé Owl.

We aim to bring you rescue stories and regular updates on our admissions.

Subscribe at the right, so that you can be kept abreast of new developments. ‘Like’ our posts, and share them all over the place. We have big dreams to re-introduce Macramé Owls into the hearts, lives, and funny bones of people around the world.