An owl that has been in captivity because it was a chick has reportedly been stolen, sparking fears for its welfare.
Merlin, the tawny owl, who is sort of 30, has disappeared from his flight pen at Wimbledon and Putney Commons in southwest London.
Wimbledon and Putney Commons, which takes care of the inexperienced house, says it’s “hugely concerned for his welfare”.
A message on the charity’s web site reads: “We are devastated to report that we believe our tawny owl, Merlin, has been stolen from his flight pen.
“Merlin has been in captivity since he was a chick and is now virtually 30 years previous. We are massively involved for his welfare.
“Having investigated his disappearance, we know that he could not have escaped and there is no evidence that he has been attacked by a fox, or any other predator. The police have therefore been advised.
“Please please please, if anybody is aware of something about his disappearance we implore you to get in contact. We will deal with any info acquired with confidence. We are simply determined to get him again safely.”
Much of Wimbledon and Putney Commons, which covers 4 separate native areas, is a web site of particular scientific curiosity and a particular space of conservation, the web site added.
Comprising woodland, scrubland, heathland and mown recreation areas, it’s dwelling to all kinds of chook, animal and flora and, as an unfenced widespread, the entire space is open to the general public 24 hours a day all year long.
Around 10,000 folks go to the commons “on an average summer weekend”, the positioning mentioned.
Sky News has approached the Met Police for remark.
Source: information.sky.com”