In the quiet early hours of Friday, November 14, 2025, a crime that stunned both wildlife enthusiasts and the local community unfolded at the Cornish Birds of Prey Centre CIC in Winnard's Perch, St Columb Major. Two cherished raptors—Arizona, a striking gyr falcon, and Caspar, a rare striated caracara—were stolen in a meticulously planned break-in that has left the sanctuary’s staff reeling and the wider public rallying in support.
The theft, which occurred between 5:00 p.m. on Thursday and 7:00 a.m. on Friday, was not a random act, according to the centre's owner, Kelly Grigg. Speaking to BBC and echoed across several local outlets, Grigg expressed her conviction that the perpetrator "must have known the centre inside out," expertly avoiding all CCTV cameras and targeting specific aviaries. "The bolt and padlock to one of its aviaries had been hit with force," she explained, adding that another lock appeared to have been tampered with "using a crowbar or similar tool," but ultimately resisted the intrusion.
The break-in was as bold as it was heartbreaking. The thieves parked in a layby adjacent to the centre, jumped the hedge, and crossed the paddock to access the aviaries—moves that suggest familiarity with the centre’s layout and routines. The discovery of the open gate during Grigg’s routine morning checks was the first ominous sign. "All I want is the birds back safe and sound and I will do everything in my power to get them home safely," she told the press, her distress palpable. The emotional toll has been compounded by the impact on her own family; Grigg shared that "the thing that hurts me the most is now my three girls are scared to even venture out into the centre."
Arizona and Caspar were more than just exhibits—they were beloved members of a conservation community dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating birds of prey. Their sudden disappearance galvanized the centre’s supporters, who quickly took to social media to spread the word and offer any help they could. The centre’s Facebook post called on the public to "make these two gorgeous birds too hot to handle and get them back home safe and sound." The message was clear: if anyone saw "someone climbing the bank in the early hours" or had any information, they should contact Devon and Cornwall Police or the centre itself.
As news of the theft spread, so did the outpouring of concern. Local residents, wildlife lovers, and even motorists passing through the area joined the search. Their vigilance paid off in part on Saturday, November 15, when Arizona, the gyr falcon, was found at the side of the road opposite the layby at Winnard’s Perch. The centre expressed its deep gratitude to "everyone who had called to report seeing the gyr falcon and to the cars that came to a stand still so they could cross the road to catch it." The recovery of Arizona offered a glimmer of hope, though Caspar, the striated caracara, remains missing as of this writing.
The theft has not only shaken the sanctuary but also raised broader questions about the security of wildlife centres and the motivations behind such crimes. According to Devon and Cornwall Police, the targeted nature of the break-in and the skill with which the thieves avoided detection suggest a perpetrator with detailed inside knowledge. The police have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the urgency and seriousness of the case.
For the Cornish Birds of Prey Centre CIC, the incident is more than a setback; it’s a call to action. The centre’s mission—rescuing, rehabilitating, and educating the public about birds of prey—has always depended on community support. Now, that support is more crucial than ever. The centre’s staff, while shaken, have been buoyed by the solidarity shown by volunteers and well-wishers. As Grigg put it in her public plea, "Let's make these two gorgeous birds too hot to handle and get them back home safe and sound."
The emotional impact on the sanctuary’s staff and the owner’s family cannot be overstated. The fear instilled in Grigg’s children—now hesitant to explore the grounds they once called home—speaks to the profound sense of violation that accompanies such crimes. Yet, there’s also a sense of resolve. Grigg’s determination to "do everything in my power to get them home safely" is echoed by the wider community, who have rallied to keep watch for Caspar and support the centre’s ongoing recovery efforts.
The theft has also highlighted the vulnerability of wildlife rescue centres, many of which operate on limited budgets and rely heavily on public goodwill. Security measures, while present, can be circumvented by those with enough knowledge and intent. This incident has prompted discussions among sanctuary operators and law enforcement about the need for enhanced security protocols and greater awareness within the community.
In the meantime, the search for Caspar continues. The striated caracara, a species rarely seen in captivity, is not only a loss to the centre but also to the broader conservation effort. The centre’s call for information remains active, with both Devon and Cornwall Police and the Cornish Birds of Prey Centre CIC urging anyone with relevant details—no matter how minor they may seem—to come forward.
While the recovery of Arizona has provided a measure of relief, the sanctuary’s ordeal is far from over. The staff remain vigilant, the public engaged, and the hope for Caspar’s safe return undiminished. For now, the story of the Cornish Birds of Prey Centre CIC stands as a testament to the resilience of a community united by a shared love of wildlife and a determination to protect it from harm.
As the investigation continues and the centre works to heal from this ordeal, one thing is certain: the bond between the sanctuary, its birds, and the people who care for them has only grown stronger in the face of adversity.
