A family in Denmark has captured hearts with a heartwarming video montage showcasing their incredible bond with a wild Eurasian crow. The bird, lovingly named Russell, has become a cherished part of their household, building unique connections with every family member—including their pets.
However, the crow’s most remarkable relationship is with their 2-year-old son, Otto. “They can spend hours playing together,” Otto’s mother, Laerke Luna, shared in a video posted by The Dodo. “When Otto is outside, Russell never leaves his side.”
Despite being a free-spirited wild bird, Russell doesn’t stray far from the family’s home for long. Whenever he ventures out, he always returns, making his presence known by tapping on the door, perching on the roof to wait for Otto, or even relaxing on the family’s sofa.
“When we’re inside, he’ll sit at the window, waiting for Otto to come out and join him,” Laerke explained.
The family’s bond with Russell began when they discovered him as a young bird in poor health. They took him in, cared for him, and helped nurse him back to strength, eventually witnessing his first attempts at flight.
Russell’s friendships now extend to the family’s second child, Hedwig, though the baby sometimes grows frustrated with Russell’s cheeky habit of trying to steal his pacifier.
While such close relationships between humans and crows are uncommon, they’re not entirely surprising. Research shows that crows are among the most intelligent animals on Earth, with cognitive abilities comparable to chimpanzees. According to the Audubon Society, crows are also highly social and family-oriented, which explains why Russell seems so at home with Otto and his family.
Russell’s story is a touching reminder of the extraordinary bonds that can form between humans and wildlife, proving that even the most unexpected friendships can thrive.