On the 25th February 2024, there was a break in at the animal sanctuary enclosures at the Gunnersbury Park campus of Capel Manor College, damaging many of the enclosures leaving a number of animals dead across the area.

After receiving reports that ‘several animals had been killed’ the police were called with the animals affected ranging from mammals and birds to reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Investigators carried out a forensic examination and CCTV review of the scene and following this, two boys, aged 11 and 12, were arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty and burglary and have subsequently been released on bail. Peter Brammall, Capel Manor principal, said: “This has been a terrible episode, and my thanks go out to the dedicated team of staff who worked tirelessly over Sunday and Monday to deal with, and restore the devastation left by the intruders’.  Subsequently, in-person teaching has resumed since Tuesday following online learning on the Monday.

As a result of the break in, extra security staff and measures have been employed on site following a statement issued by the college ‘The safety of our staff, students, animals and community is of upmost importance to us’. Support is being provided for those particularly affected by the incident.

A ‘much loved’ barn own named Shiraz escaped in the commotion and much to the dismay of the college, has not been seen since. The college have explained that there is an increased risk to the bird as she was rescued and nurtured in captivity  so will be unlikely to survive for long outside of the college. It is therefore of paramount importance that she be found as quickly as possible. It is suspected that she is still within the Ealing, Hounslow and Gunnersbury area and the college are asking local residents to assist in locating her. She can be identified as a white barn owl with a blue ring on her left ankle.

The college has advised that if you see her, do not approach her, but call the college’s emergency 24-hour line 07713 568 110 or the RSPCA between 7am and 10pm on 0300 1234 999 to report the sighting. Police urge anyone with information about the break in to call 101 quoting CAD 1639/25Feb

Capel Manor College is London’s only environmental college, specialising in a vast range of higher education courses designed for careers working with animals, plants and the natural environment. With its 5 campuses across London, there are opportunities for conservation, animal management, landscaping, floristry and much more. The Gunnersbury Park campus features a library, computer suite, classrooms, a student social area and soon will be opening its doors for plant sales, an attraction paticularly popular in the local community. Most significantly, it boasts an impressive animal collection for education about animal management, zoology and veterinary science.

Local residents have been shocked by the break-in particularly with the destruction of the animal sanctuary and have been sharing information on local Facebook groups