Night Heron: Bird survived on diet of small fish, worms and frogs. Pic: © SSPCA
A rare heron that escaped from a wildlife park has been reunited with its owners after weeks in the wild.
The black-crowned night heron escaped from Galloway Wildlife and Conservation Park in Kirkcudbright in September.
The 12in tall female has lived in the wild ever since, surviving on small fish, worms and frogs.
It was finally recaptured after it was attacked by buzzards in the village of Dunragit, in Dumfries and Galloway near Stranraer.
The stricken bird was picked up by the Scottish SPCA on Monday and examined by vets before being transported to the South of Scotland Wildlife Hospital in Dumfries to recover. It has now been returned to its owners.
Scottish SPCA Inspector Arianne Harkness said: "Once the bird was safe I set about trying to establish where it had come from because it's not native to the UK.
"It was also easy to handle which suggested it was used to being around people."
After making enquiries Ms Harkness was contacted by Edinburgh Zoo who explained that the bird used to belong to them, before being rehomed to Galloway Wildlife and Conservation Park in Kirkcudbright some years ago.
She said: "The park's owner confirmed the bird was missing after it flew away during bad weather.
"It had been living off little fish and other delightful things like frogs and worms, but you can never guarantee the safety of a captive bird in the wild and it was attacked by buzzards.
"It had a damaged claw, but it obviously held its own for a little bird under attack like that.
"I'm glad we were able to reunite the bird with its rightful owners and I'm sure it will be much happier back in its aviary and safely out of the reach of any buzzards."
Black crowned night herons, which have distinctive red eyes, are nocturnal feeders with excellent vision. They are native to the Americas, Central and Eastern Europe, parts of Africa and Southern Asia.
Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed animal should call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.
