Mystery as beloved owl Merlin STOLEN from his habitat of nearly 30 years, leaving animal lovers baffled

A BELOVED owl has been stolen after almost 30 years in captivity.

Merlin’s carers say they are devastated and deeply concerned for his welfare.

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The Wimbledon and Putney Commons charity South West London says that the tawny owl has been removed from its flight cage.

It says that Merlin, who spent his entire life in captivity, was unable to escape and that there is no evidence of a fox attack.

Police have been informed of the theft, which has baffled Pam Broughton, zoo director of The Owls Trust.

She said: “I can’t imagine why someone would have one Tawny owl.”

She said the Tawny Owl was common in Britain and the stolen creature would cost no more than £30.

But those with the legal papers to prove an owl has been bred in captivity can get £200 for the breed.

She added that most thefts are committed by collectors who want to add more valuable and unique breeds to their collection.

But some are stealing impressively large and ‘extremely dangerous’ owls to keep in their gardens, ‘to show off to their friends’.

But she added: ‘No one will be impressed by Merlin.

“Someone must have wanted this owl more than anything.”

The charity Commons said: “Please, please, if anyone knows anything about his disappearance, we would urge you to get in touch.”