A heron wearing underpants
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381760)
Rockingham, Australia
March 19, 2026 3:32am CST
I have another bird story for you. This one appeared a month or so ago but I’ve only just found it again. A wildlife rescuer, Karen Ledger, was faced with a heron that refused to walk although there was nothing obviously wrong with it.
She used a pair of her husband’s underpants and a pair of stockings to create a sling and would ‘walk’ the bird several times a day until it became strong enough to walk on its own. It’s too hard to describe the sling but you can see it here:
The article also tells of Karen being brought an owl that was found on the road standing next to its dead mate. Owls mate for life and the rescued one refused to show any interest in its surroundings. Karen placed a stuffed penguin on the roost next to the owl and slowly the bird got over its grief.
The photo is of an owl at a wildlife park in Bunbury.
Edit: Anna (@LadyDuck) has put up a photo of the sling. Thanks very much, Anna.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-01/wildlife-rescuer-helps-heron-walk-again-with-underpants-sling/102788020
12 people like this
12 responses
@MarieCoyle (59106)
•
19 Mar
She went the extra mile in both of the cases you described. I have met some truly wonderful people over the years of doing rescue work. It can be so heartbreaking but then it can be wonderfully rewarding as well. I wish I still had the time and the means to do rescue work but right now I cannot. This woman is a true blessing to the creatures she helps.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (381760)
• Rockingham, Australia
21 Mar
@MarieCoyle Too many people take on pets without thinking about the long-term commitment.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (59106)
•
21 Mar
@JudyEv
I used to really enjoy fostering, but it's hard not to fall in love with the dogs when I foster. Time will tell. I did enjoy the work, but with it being next to impossible to find homes for these pets, it's truly heartbreaking now.
1 person likes this
@rebelann (117199)
• El Paso, Texas
19 Mar
I love how rescuers help wildlife, it's heartwarming.
The link you provided gave me this:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-01/wildlife-rescuer-helps-heron-walk-again-with-underpants-sling/102788020?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (174208)
• United States
19 Mar
Some people put a lot of thought into ways and means of helping animals.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (174208)
• United States
20 Mar
@JudyEv I would agree, that was creative.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (381760)
• Rockingham, Australia
20 Mar
It's a clever idea and it didn't even cost her anything. 
@AliCanary (4387)
•
21 Mar
Oh, the poor owl! I hope it found another mate, eventually.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222222)
• United States
20 Mar
I love birds, especially owls. Thanks so much for the post.
1 person likes this
