A family of fluffy owls will soon be released into the wild after being transformed into stunning raptors by the Scottish SCPA.
The three siblings were discovered on the floor of a barn in Elgin at just five weeks old earlier this year.
They are believed to have fallen from their nest too soon and were unable to fly.
But staff at the Scottish SPCA took them to the national wildlife centre in Fishcross in Clackmannanshire where they have been transformed and are now flying and hunting food for themselves.
The trio have been named Alvin, Simon and Theodore after the characters in Alvin and the Chipmunks.
The group will soon be released into the wild after undergoing a stunning transformation.
Colin Seddon, the centre manager, said: “When we first got the chicks they weren’t great flyers and certainly wouldn’t have been able to survive on their own in the wild.
“Having been in our care since February they are now ready to be released back into the wild.
“The barn owls have been placed at a soft release site, meaning they’ve been housed in a barn with a meshed viewing area to the outside world.
“The barn is in an area that provides a suitable habitat for the owls who will be kept in the barn for up to two weeks.
“They’re free to fly about and learn to catch any mice which find their way into the barn, but will also be provided food by the landowner.”
He added: “In a couple of week’s time, when the weather is suitable, the owls will be released. We’ll continue to have food placed in and around the barn to help them adjust to catching their own food in the wild.
“We’ll also ensure a nesting box is placed on the outside of the barn in the hope of them taking up residence and breeding in the future.”
Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed wild animal should call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999
