The Vilnius book fair, which annually attracts tens of thousands of visitors, has sparked a debate over the suitability of keeping wild animals in such an environment. K. Kukliauskaitė expressed concerns regarding a northern white-faced owl's presence at the event, citing that the noise, bright lights, and crowded spaces could cause stress to this nocturnal predator, which thrives in silence and darkness. Despite this criticism, the owl’s owner, ornithologist Ingrida Lagunaviečienė, holds a different view and defends her actions, suggesting that the owl was accustomed to human presence and could handle the conditions of the fair.

This year's book fair featured Lagunaviečienė's book "The Owl Doesn’t Sleep," aimed at families. However, the irony lies in the fact that the owl, a creature of the night, was on display in an environment that starkly contrasts with its natural habitat. The juxtaposition of wildlife and academic presentation raises questions about the boundaries of educational outreach and the ethical considerations surrounding the display of live animals in public spaces. Observers highlight the need for a dialogue on animal welfare and the appropriateness of exhibitions that involve wild species.

The incident at the book fair underscores the ongoing conversation around human-animal interactions and the responsibilities of individuals and organizations in presenting wildlife in educational formats. As public interest in animal rights and welfare continues to grow, events like these will likely face increasing scrutiny and call for more sensitive approaches to involving animals in educational and entertainment contexts.