Help! Our vulture has gone missing

BIDDULPH bird lovers are being

asked to be on the lookout for a highflying

escapee.

Bones is a five-year-old vulture, and has gone

AWOL from his aviary at Blackbrook Zoological

Park.

The park's curator, Malcolm Mycock, said

Bones was not aggressive or dangerous, and only

fed on carrion rather than killing it own prey.

"Bones looks like your typical vulture, so you

would probably have a bit of a shock if you saw it

in your garden," he said.

Bones stands two-and-a-half feet tall, and has

a wingspan of between 10 and 11 feet.

It has a creamy white back, and the rest of its

feathers are a dull brown colour.

Blackbrook Zoological Park is at Winkhill near

Leek.

Bones, an African White Backed Vulture, was

last seen on Friday evening.

He had disappeared by the time staff returned

to the aviary on Saturday morning.

"The bird is one of a pair, and is about five

years old," said Mr Mycock.

"It looks like it has somehow managed to get

through a small hole which had been gnawed in

the aviary's nylon net.

"Vultures are not great fliers, and tend instead

to soar on air thermals."

Police are urging members of the public who

see Bones to contact the park.

People are asked not to attempt to catch the

bird or handle it.

Anyone who sees Bones is asked to ring 07940-

433102.

Blackbrook Zoological Park is a popular attraction,

and includes birds, mammals, reptiles and

an aquarium.