Based on J. K. Rowling’s novel, the 2001 film Harry Potter introduced the audience to the magical world of wizards. The film franchise consists of a big cast that includes Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and Owls. Yes, owls. Just like any other cast member, these feathery creatures have a major contribution to the film.
The titular character, Harry Potter, played by Radcliffe, was helped by owls to send messages to the rest of the characters. However, these owls created controversy for the makers, as some owl conservationists raised issues about keeping them as pets.
The owls featured in Harry Potter became a topic of discussion
Harry Potter was a massive hit, as the film saw both critical and commercial success at the box office. However, the depiction of owls in the film became a bigger topic of discussion. When the first film of the franchise got released in theaters, many owl conservationists came out to protest for the owls. The reason they had to take the step was because the buzz of the film was so high that fans wanted to have everything Harry had, which even included his pet.
Fans took a fancy to Harry’s pet, which led to a great demand for owls on the market. Looking at this, the owl conservationist issued a warning about these animals being kept as pets. A conservationist told a news outlet,
“Many children may quickly become bored with their new acquisition, especially when they realize how frequently they have to clean out the aviary, and that owls can’t be cuddled.”
Obsessed with the Harry Potter series, fans wanted to adopt a wizard life, which is far from reality. People showed great joy in keeping an owl as a pet, but the less they know is the toil of handling an owl.
Keeping owls as pets isn’t a great idea
Looking at the buzz among the people about keeping an owl as a pet, the author of the Harry Potter novel, J.K. Rowling, took to Twitter and suggested her audience to not fancy any such fictionalized idea. She tweeted,
“I’ve just read a very disturbing story about owls kept as pets. Much like making Horcruxes, this practice belongs in fiction. Please don’t.”
However, later, it was revealed in an investigation by Forbes in 2018 that the increase in demand for owls is not certainly linked with Harry Potter.
Although, keeping an owl as a pet is not at all a good idea. Those who went out to purchase an owl perhaps didn’t know that owls are carnivorous birds, hence they produce a foul smell when they excrete. Moreover, since they are nocturnal, how can they let their owner sleep at night? Also, owning an owl as a pet is not legal in most countries.
Source: The Digital Fix
