Universal Studios Florida in Orlando has freed its Hedwig owl animatronic from her cage, demonstrating to fans of the Harry Potter franchise that birds should not be kept in captivity.
The emancipation of Hedwig was announced by the Protego Foundation, an animal rights organisation inspired by the Wizarding World that aims to create a fandom that is more considerate of the rights, feelings, and treatment of all creatures.
“While this animatronic isn’t harmed by living her life in a cage, real owls are hurt when they are kept in a cage and denied everything natural and important to them like hunting, flying, choosing a mate, and more,” said Tylor Starr, president of the Protego Foundation.
Hedwig has been trapped in a cage since the launch of King’s Cross Station and Platform 9 ¾ at Universal Studios Florida in 2014. Now, the animatronic owl stands outside her former prison.
Universal sets an example by liberating Hedwig
“Guests young and old visiting the magical Wizarding World of Harry Potter won’t see a bird forced to live their life in a depressing cage, but will instead see an animatronic example of a bird now able to spread her wings and live her life outside of cage bars,” Starr added.
According to the Protego Foundation, bird sanctuaries have reported a massive increase in owl surrenders by Harry Potter fans who purchased the birds without considering their complex needs.
“The Protego Foundation is so appreciative to Universal Creative, the Blair Partnership, and Warner Bros. for making this kind and compassionate change, and we are eager to
see other caged magical creature animatronics get their liberation, as well,” Starr said.
Last year, Warner Bros. confirmed that live owls would no longer feature at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter locations in Orlando, Hollywood, Osaka and Beijing.
The company previously stopped using live owls in productions of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child following an incident in 2016 that endangered an owl.
Images: The Protego Foundation
