animals

Please Tell Us More About Your Pet Owl, Salma Hayek

Photo-Illustration: The Cut; Photos: Getty Images

Kering is a giant luxury-goods conglomerate, and it’s also the name of Salma Hayek’s “supercool” southern white-faced owl.

Hayek’s husband is François-Henri Pinault, the chairman and CEO of Kering. Since his multibillion-dollar corporation’s symbol is an owl, Hayek did the logical thing and bought him an actual owl for Valentine’s Day. (Where does one purchase an owl?) Pinault, however, respectfully declined the gift. “He was like, ‘Well, thank you, but I know this is your own present for yourself,’” Hayek told People.

This turned out for the best because the owl and Hayek “share a special bond.” They share special moments when Pinault is out of town, such as routines before bed. While Hayek watches TV on her iPad, Kering will perch on top. Kering also enjoys cozying up on Hayek’s head, shoulder, or arms. “Sometimes, when she is really close to me, I can feel her rubbing against me, which is really nice. And I feel so blessed,” Hayek said.

Kering is also apparently more “curious” than most owls and, as its name suggests, has highbrow tastes. “Even though owls don’t drink liquids because they take everything from their prey, she likes good wine, this one,” the actress said.

The owl is even willing to go against its nocturnal nature under Hayek’s care. This species is known to repeatedly call “a series of fast, bubbling hoots” at night, but, said Hayek, “she sleeps in the room with me. Just being in the same room [with her], there’s an energy to it, and it is mesmerizing.”

Please Tell Us More About Your Pet Owl, Salma Hayek