The headteacher of a North Bristol primary school targeted by burglars who stole all of their pet budgies has launched a fundraiser to buy new birds, a more secure aviary and a live-streaming camera "to deter any future thieves". The GoFundMe was started by Geriant Clarke, the principal at Brentry Primary School, and has raised £2,943 of a £1,000 goal in just four days.
Writing on the appeal, Mr Clarke said: "Very sadly, on the night of March 8, 2023, two people entered our school site, broke into the aviary and attempted to steal the budgies. They found some nest boxes, which we think they used to take a few, and then left the doors open, so the others escaped.
"The aviary was left empty, and who knows how many budgies were left, no doubt terrified, to fend for themselves on a freezing, wet night. Whilst we are hopeful, we are also realistic and know we probably won't see any of these birds again, despite sharing our story widely.
READ MORE: Budgies stolen from Bristol primary school leaving children and teachers in tears
"The two people were caught on camera but weren't recognisable, so we hold little hope of them being caught despite the police trying to help. When the children found out, there were lots of tears. To be honest, the adults shed a few too.
"Our hope now is to start again. We would like to purchase a more secure aviary and a live-streaming camera that we will use to monitor the birds for educational reasons and also to deter any future thieves. We would also like to buy some new budgies and breed the population back up.
"We can't afford to do this from the school budget, so thought we would see if any kind people could help us. Please donate whatever you can. However small an amount, it helps the pupils of Brentry get some budgies back and put smiles back on their faces."
The Brentry budgies were established seven years ago when a bird was found stuck in a drain in the school playground. Dubbed 'Linda', pupils nursed the budgie back to health and then bought her a partner, Phil. When the school was refurbished and rebuilt five years ago, a purpose-built aviary was constructed with all mod cons, including indoor heated areas and plenty of room for them to fly around in.
Mr Clarke explains that the pupils have become very attached to their feathered friends. He said: "Our Year Six pupils look after them - clean, feed and water them, and the younger children check in on them daily. Many of our pupils who have additional needs spend time with the budgies, which they love. They have become part of the Brentry School family."
The appeal has seen children donating their pocket money to the cause. Eliza Deuchars wrote: "I have donated £10 from my savings to help bring our budgies home. I am part of the Year Six budgie team, and I miss them lots." Meanwhile, Caroline Jefferies said: "This is donated by my daughter Tayler. She wanted to donate her pocket money as she loved helping out with these beautiful budgies."
Avon and Somerset police are investigating the burglary. A spokesperson for the police said: "Police are appealing for witnesses and information after thieves stole around 15 budgerigars from an aviary at Brentry Primary School at about 11.30 pm on Wednesday (March 8).
"If you have any CCTV or dashcam footage which could help, or any other information about the burglary, which was reported this morning, Thursday (March 9), please call 101 and give the reference 5223056008."
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