Pictures of the Year International

Mandana, 43 years old, is gently petting a forest owl named Pashmak that recently underwent corneal surgery on one of its eyes to regain partial vision. Pashmak now flies freely around Mandana's home. According to Mandana, in the early days, her mother-in-law believed the owl was an omen of bad luck and feared it might attack Mandana. However, through Mandana’s efforts, the perception of this bird is gradually changing among many people. May ,20, 2024 .Gorgan, Iran.