P-p-pinch a penguin
Ex-zookeeper stole birds in second raid at old workplace
A FEATHER-brained bird-keeper broke into the zoo where he used to work and pilfered two penguins.
Bradley Tomes, 25, faces up to five years in jail after selling Pablo and Penny on Facebook.
The buyer was animal lover Reece Oliver who became suspicious and called police.
Zoo staff were then able to “pick up the penguins”.
Tomes twice raided South Lakes Safari Zoo, Cumbria.
At South Cumbria magistrates court he admitted taking 12 spoonbills in July, 2018, and the Humboldt penguins and three macaws in October that year. He also admitted selling the birds worth a total of £25,000.
Lee Dacre, prosecuting, said of the first raid: “Staff saw a hole in the fence of the aviary and birds had been extracted.
“Suspicions fell on the defendant. He had previously asked if he could buy some animals.”
Mr Dacre then described how the penguins, which are native to South America, came to be returned. He
said: “On January 16 an animal collector who bought the penguins contacted vets saying they were in bad health. “Staff from the zoo travelled to the collector’s address and tags on the birds confirmed they were stolen. Staff were able to pick up the penguins.” After the trial Reece, 29, of Strelley Nottingham, told how he discovered they had been stolen when he checked their microchips.
He said of Tomes: “He seemed suspicious but you take people as they come. “Penguins can easily die in the wrong hands. I just hope the penguins are OK.” Sgt Andrew Browning, of Nottinghamshire Police, described the case as “one to tell the grandkids”.
He added: “When we went down to custody it made everyone laugh, particularly the custody sergeant.” Tomes, of Preston, Lancs, is due to be sentenced at Preston crown court on October 16.
He was previously given a 20-week suspended sentence for animal neglect in 2019 after the RSPCA found dozens of exotic creatures in grim conditions after visiting his home. jeremy. armstrong@ mirror.co.uk
Zoo staff went to his house to pick up the penguins
LEE DACRE PROSECUTOR IN PENGUIN THEFT CASE