Rescued raven Huxley in Prince George, B.C., delights fans by imitating sneezes, saying his name, and showing a playful, quirky personality.
Meet Huxley: The Raven with a Flair for Drama
Huxley, a rescued raven at Good Caws Crow Rescue in Prince George, B.C., is turning heads and eardrums with a rather unusual talent. This three-year-old bird doesn’t just caw; he mimics the “dramatic” sneeze of his caregiver, Dayna Slater.
“I’m a dramatic sneezer, and he picked up on that right away,” Slater laughs. “It’s like he’s saying, ‘I love making noise too let’s do this!’”
Sneezes, Names, and Squeaky Toys
Videos shared by Slater show Huxley happily sneezing in her backyard, often interspersed with saying his own name. “It’s his favourite morning ritual,” she says. Fortunately, the neighbours seem to enjoy it too, sharing a soft spot for the local birdlife.
But Huxley isn’t just a sneeze imitator. He has a playful streak, loving squeaky toys, baths, and the company of his crow friend, Bobbi. On the other hand, cold and snowy weather isn’t his style—he prefers indoor warmth when winter bites.
From Fallen Fledgling to Local Star
Huxley was found as a hatchling in 2023, having tumbled from his nest. Unable to fly, he became a permanent resident at Good Caws, which Slater founded after noticing a lack of rehabilitation services for injured corvids in Northern B.C. Today, the rescue cares for 20 birds, including crows, ravens, and magpies.
“These birds are steeped in myth and legend,” Slater explains. “They deserve respect, care, and a chance to thrive.”
Personality in Full Flight
Huxley’s antics highlight just how intelligent and expressive ravens can be. Alongside his sneezes and self-naming habit, he has picked up phrases like “That’s not cool,” which Slater says when he nips playfully. “He serenades all the birds in the rescue with his chatter,” she adds.
For Huxley, life is about noise, play, and companionship a reminder that even the wildest of creatures can show personality, charm, and a touch of theatrical flair.
Source – cbcnews.ca
