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Missing parrot Hugo is found safe and sound at Repton Manor Nursery in Ashford

Ashford parrot Hugo has had an adventurous few days.

First he escaped from owners Ben Jones and Casey Roundy’s Repton Park home, then he paid a visit to a nursery and made friends with the children and staff, all before he was collected by the RSPCA and taken to an animal centre.

His escapade started on Sunday (January 31) when he flew out the window.

Hugo has been found
Hugo has been found

Mr Jones, 28, quickly chased after him but Hugo had already flown off.

Desperate to get him home, he appealed for people to keep their eyes peeled on Facebook and through an article on Kent Online.

However, what he didn’t know is that fearless Hugo was safe and had turned up at Repton Manor Nursery, in Repton Avenue, half a mile away.

Nicki Pittam, nursery manager, explains: “Nursery practitioner Mikala White noticed a bird land outside the garden window on Monday morning and hang from the window ledge, this has not happened before.

“Upon taking a closer look I noticed that it was a parrot!

“We opened the back door so the bird could come nearer and nearer, it then landed on the door.

Nadia Hyland coaxed Hugo into the nursery using bird seed
Nadia Hyland coaxed Hugo into the nursery using bird seed

“Nadia Hyland coaxed him in using bird seed we had been using to make bird feeders. The parrot landed on the pot and was very friendly.

“We knew it must be someone’s pet as it had a tag and was very tame.”

Using an empty rabbit hatch borrowed from Repton Manor Primary School, which is next door, they managed to secure the colourful parrot, who they nicknamed Dave!

Nicki adds: “All the children discussed what had happened, and where he may have come from. We brought up the discussion about naming the bird.

“The children chose to name him ‘Dave’ but ‘Tweet Tweet’ was a close call, due to the noises he made.

“All the staff and children had a great morning, with something new to talk about and a new fascination.”

Hugo with owner Ben Jones
Hugo with owner Ben Jones

Staff called the RSPCA and an officer picked Hugo up at around midday yesterday.

Owner Mr Jones was later alerted to Hugo’s rescue by Nicki and Matt Rawlings, head of the primary school, who had seen the article on Kent Online.

He will travel to Leybourne Animal Centre in West Malling today to collect him.

Mr Jones thanked everyone for their kindness and for “taking care of our bird and putting a smile back on our faces.”

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