Police hunt thief after two birds vanish from Highland rescue centre

Police are hunting a brazen thief who stole a Eurasian Eagle Owl from a Highlands rescue centre.

Entry was forced to an outdoor shelter at the Blue Highlands Bird of Prey Rescue Centre in Brora, Sutherland, in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Maximus the Eurasian Eagle Owl, pictured with his mate, has gone missing from the wildlife centre in Brora. (Blue Highlands Bird of Prey Rescue Centre)

Maximus, who was in the enclosure with his lifelong mate of 18 years, was taken and fears have been raised that the thief may try to sell the bird despite him being microchipped.

Concern has also been raised for his welfare as he is a captive bred bird with a specialised diet meaning he is unable to survive in the wild.

An injured juvenile gull, named Buster, was also in the neighbouring enclosure and has disappeared despite having his wing bandaged to his body.

Buster the seagull has gone missing from his enclosure at the Scots wildlife centre in Brora. (Blue Highlands Bird of Prey Rescue Centre)

Police Scotland are appealing for any information to try and trace the culprit.

Members of the public are asked to contact them on 101 quoting reference NE/1059/20 or to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A fundraising campaign has also been launched to improve security at the site.

To donate, click here .