Appeal to find escaped parrots caught up in heatwave gust

An appeal has since been launched by WILD Zoological Park, Bobbington, in a bid to find the birds.

The brother and sister pair went flying into the air after a bird show performance.

Zac Hollinshead, zoo director, said: "We fly a large team of macaws so the general public wouldn't notice, but it's not right.

"It doesn't feel the same without them because they are all individual characters.

"They are birds that fly freely during our displays twice a day.

"Because we've had such hot weather, they got taken up by the wind thermals and got lost.

"The thermals catch their wingspan – it's like a gust of wind but hot air.

"We're just waiting for someone to call."

The two parrots, who have been at the zoo for two years, were lost during a performance at the zoo's amphitheatre at 12pm on Wednesday.

And both birds, who are micro-chipped, are still within the area – with the latest sighting being within a mile away.

The 27-year-old, who presents the bird shows, said: "They're very attached to us.

"They've been with us two years and they have flown twice a day every day.

"We've been spending a long-time training them."

People who spot the birds have been urged to call the zoo straight away.

Mr Hollinshead added: "We want them back as soon as possible and if anyone were to spot them or hear them, call us right away.

"We had a call from someone who had been watching them in a tree and when they did call they had already gone.

"They're not stupid birds, so they can find food and water to get them through a few days.

"It's just a case of knowing where they are."

Anyone with information is urged to contact the the zoo on 07540 123 917.