Feathered friends: Orphaned barn owl Orbit, right, cuddles up to a toy owl given to him to stop him feeling lonely

The owl toy was bought by Lynsey Wood who is hand rearing Orbit at Folly Farm near Narberth in west Wales.

Ms Wood bought the stuffed toy so that Orbit would feel more at home.

She said: 'A friend suggested that I find something like a toy owl to stop Orbit feeling lonely, so I bought one from a local shop and it's made the world of difference.

'I thought that he might try and eat it, but he just cuddles up to it and goes to sleep.

'It's the first owl chick that I've hand reared. It's been an amazing experience to see it grow so quickly.'

In good hands: Lynsey Wood with her charge Orbit at Folly Farm in west Wales

Orbit is a common barn owl. When he grows up he will be grey or tawny-coloured with small eyes and a white heart-shaped face.

The breed hunts at night and they live and lay their eggs in barns, churches and other buildings as well as hollow trees.