Merlin the tawny owl has disappeared from Wimbledon and Putney Commons (Picture: Wimbledon and Putney Commons)
Mystery surrounds the theft of a much-loved owl that’s been in captivity since he was a chick.
Merlin, a tawny owl who is nearly 30, disappeared from his flight pen at Wimbledon and Putney Commons in south west London.
His devastated carers say he couldn’t have escaped and there is no evidence of a fox attack.
Writing on the Wimbledon and Putney Commons website, the charity that manages the green space said it was ‘hugely concerned for his welfare’.
They added: ‘Please please please, if anyone knows anything about his disappearance we implore you to get in touch. We will treat any information received with confidence. We are just desperate to get him back safely.’
Police have been told about the disappearance, they said.
Pam Broughton, zoo director at another charity, The Owl’s Trust, told The Sun she was baffled by the theft.
Merlin has been in captivity since he was a chick (Picture: Wimbledon and Putney Commons)
‘I can’t imagine why someone would want to steal a tawny owl.’
She said tawny owls were common in the UK and that the stolen bird would not fetch more than £30.
It’s usually rare or larger breeds that are snatched by collectors who want to ‘show off to their friends’, she added. ‘No one’s going to be impressed by Merlin.’
Anyone with information on Merlin should call 020 8788 7655 or e-mail rangersoffice@wpcc.org.uk.
Earlier this month, we shared an interactive map showing where in London saw the highest number of pet thefts last year.
The borough of Hounslow topped the list, with 95 animals stolen in 2023.
Coming in second was Brent with 50 pets taken, while third place went to Islington with 39.
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