You know those cat cafes, where you can pet a kitty while sipping a cup of joe?
Well, those are totally last year, according to hipsters in Japan, anyway. They have branched out and started perching in a new round of owl cafes. Yes, owl cafes, where these nocturnal birds are the star attractions. The owls enjoy human interaction and have a steady diet of live critters – fed to them in private, to avoid grossing out customers – as well as luxury nesting areas.
Some activists have raised concerns about them being kept awake during the day, contrary to their nature, but the facilities are visited regularly by vets.
The owl is a particularly significant animal in Japanese culture as it is commonly considered to be a symbol of good luck. (Daily Mirror)