Internet falls in love with "Sofia", the owl who loves to cuddle humans

Sofia, is a barn owl who loves to cuddle going viral on internet. (Image: X/@AMAZlNGNATURE)

Sofia the owl has captured hearts worldwide with her unusually gentle cuddles. Short clips on internet show her snuggling into human shoulders and nuzzling heads tenderly. Her soft feathers, calm eyes and trusting behaviour create magical moments. In a chaotic world, Sofia offers comfort one adorable cuddle at a time.

Though the exact species isn’t confirmed, Sofia is likely a barn owl (Tyto alba). Barn owls are common in the wild and widely distributed globally. However, in nature, barn owls are solitary and avoid human contact. Sofia’s affectionate behaviour is exceptional, shaped by early hand-raising.

In the wild, owls do not cuddle humans. They are solitary, territorial and mostly nocturnal hunters. Sofia is the only barn owl who loves to cuddle. Her behaviour is exceptional and likely learned, meaning she is hand-raised or socialised with humans from a young age. Her cuddling is not typical of the species. Most owls remain wary or defensive around humans.

Wild owls do not typically cuddle or display social behaviour with humans. Hand-raised owls, like Sofia, can develop trust and gentle interactions. Her friendliness is learned rather than instinctive, making her truly unique. Such bonds are possible only with careful socialisation from a young age.

Meet Sofia, the owl who absolutely loves to cuddle. pic.twitter.com/tuymnyMkzi

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— Nature is Amazing ☘️ (@AMAZlNGNATURE) December 6, 2025

Barn owls are classified as Least Concern, but populations vary regionally. Their presence in the wild face threats from habitat loss and rodenticide use. Captive owls like Sofia help raise awareness about these magnificent birds. Barn owls are relatively common, unlike rarer species like the snowy owl. Other small owl species in captivity may be rarer, depending on their habitat.

Sofia’s charm lies in her extraordinary tenderness and calm demeanour. Social media users are enchanted by her cuddles and magical moments. Her videos provide emotional comfort and joy to millions of viewers. Sofia reminds us that even wild creatures can inspire wonder and delight.

In a world often dominated by chaos, Sofia the owl shows that gentleness, trust and affection transcend species boundaries, earning her a permanent place in hearts online.