When a Danish family found an orphaned crow, they had no idea they were about to witness one of the most extraordinary friendships in nature. Unable to find anyone to rehabilitate the juvenile bird they named Russell, Otto’s parents nursed him back to health themselves, and something magical happened during the process. The crow didn’t just recover, he became completely devoted to young Otto, waiting on the rooftop for him to come home from kindergarten every single day and treating the entire family as his flock.
Russell remains completely wild and free, disappearing from the property regularly, but he always returns to his chosen family. Whether he’s pecking at the door for attention, flying through the window to land on the couch, or trying to steal baby Hedwig’s pacifier, this remarkable bird has seamlessly integrated into their daily life. The friendship between Otto and Russell has captured hearts around the world, proving that the most beautiful connections can happen between the most unlikely companions. Their story shows that sometimes the most meaningful family members are the ones we never expected to find.