If I squint I can see a smiley old grandpa face that will fit into a Ghibli film.
Perfect smiley.
For owls that are superb.
US Wild Animal Rescue Database: Animal Help Now
International Wildlife Rescues: RescueShelter.com
Australia Rescue Help: WIRES
Germany-Austria-Switzerland-Italy Wild Bird Rescue: wildvogelhilfe.org
If you find an injured owl:
Note your exact location so the owl can be released back where it came from. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitation specialist to get correct advice and immediate assistance.
Minimize stress for the owl. If you can catch it, toss a towel or sweater over it and get it in a cardboard box or pet carrier. It should have room to be comfortable but not so much it can panic and injure itself. If you can’t catch it, keep people and animals away until help can come.
Do not give food or water! If you feed them the wrong thing or give them water improperly, you can accidentally kill them. It can also cause problems if they require anesthesia once help arrives, complicating procedures and costing valuable time.
If it is a baby owl, and it looks safe and uninjured, leave it be. Time on the ground is part of their growing up. They can fly to some extent and climb trees. If animals or people are nearby, put it up on a branch so it’s safe. If it’s injured, follow the above advice.
For more detailed help, see the OwlPages Rescue page.
If I squint I can see a smiley old grandpa face that will fit into a Ghibli film.
Perfect smiley.
I went looking to see if there were any Ghibli owls, and I saw a number of references saying Totoro's design was based off a Great Horned Owl.
I always took him as a more rodent type design, but if you ignore the appendages, it checks out.
I always saw Totoro as an owl so I guess I got it right!
Because the most common artwork I see of Totoro is the standing/sitting position, staring straight ahead posture with the ears. So it always reminded me of an owl.
Looking at him today and considering an owl as the inspiration I can see it more. Having hands and forward facing feet and more pronounced whiskers throws me off from seeing it initially, but I take it that's to make him seem a little more human or at least mammalian and to allow him to hold things like the umbrella he couldn't do with wings.
All Hail The Owly Derp From Whence Snorts and Giggles Flow
I'm not sure what it's actually doing here, but it looks to be having the time of its life, and I'm happy telling myself that's what it is! 😀