A compassionate vet, Dr Justyn Loveridge, has found unexpected friendship with a wild crow after his efforts to nurse it back from injury led to a heartwarming bond – one that continually surprises both experts and bird enthusiasts alike.
Dr Loveridge, who runs Portsmouth’s Vets for Pets clinic, was approached when a member of the public discovered an injured crow displaying obvious distress. Further examination and X-ray imaging at the surgery revealed the bird was suffering from a fractured wing, a potentially life-limiting injury for any wild animal. Rather than opt for the easier route of euthanasia, Dr Loveridge was determined to give the crow a fighting chance at recovery.
Before bringing the crow home, Dr Loveridge sought the approval of his fiancée, Sally. Knowing their shared affection for animals, he was confident she would be supportive – a hunch that proved correct. Together, they named the remarkable patient Morrigan, inspired by the mythological Irish goddess associated with crows, symbolising strength and resilience.
Rehabilitation required a tailored approach. “Crows are omnivorous, so I made sure to offer a variety of foods: insects, nuts, tomatoes and blueberries. Morrigan became particularly fond of the berries,” Dr Loveridge recalled. Conscious of the bird’s limited mobility during recovery, he kept portion sizes small to avoid the risk of weight gain while it remained inactive.
After a fortnight of careful attention, Morrigan’s progress was such that a return to the wild became a real possibility. The day came to be released, and Dr Loveridge and Sally watched as Morrigan flew from her crate into the open skies above their garden. Their joy at seeing the bird regain her freedom was matched by a sense of quiet satisfaction at having contributed to the animal’s return to nature.
What Dr Loveridge did not anticipate was that Morrigan would make repeated visits back to their home. While many wild animals vanish after being aided by humans, Morrigan seemed to have formed a connection with her rescuers. “Crows are known to display remarkable intelligence, often likened to that of primates,” Dr Loveridge observed. “To have one so evidently remember us and choose to return suggests there was a significant bond created by her time here.”
This ongoing relationship challenges perceptions of wild animals’ behaviour and memory. It also raises intriguing questions about avian cognition and the emotional lives of birds. Crows, in particular, are frequently cited in scientific studies for their problem-solving abilities and complex social interactions, and this story provides further anecdotal evidence in support of these findings.
For Dr Loveridge, the experience was particularly meaningful. Animal welfare has always been a guiding principle in his life, inspired from a young age by his grandmother’s dedication to rehoming stray cats. Since opening his veterinary practice in 2012, he has encountered countless cases, but Morrigan’s story stands out as evidence of the often unpredictable, profound connections that can exist between humans and animals.
The story of Dr Loveridge and Morrigan is a reminder of the impact that compassion and dedication can have, sometimes resulting in the most unexpected of friendships. It also highlights the intelligence and emotional capacities of wildlife – qualities that deserve attention and respect, particularly as human activity continues to encroach on natural habitats.
As Morrigan continues her occasional visits, the relationship serves both as a testament to the crow’s remarkable memory and to the vet’s commitment to animal care. It is a story that resonates with those who believe in the importance of kindness to all creatures, great and small – and one that invites reflection on the deeper bonds that can be forged between people and wildlife.