Pensioners who devote life to owls 'devastated' after their sanctuary ruined by vandals

THE OWNERS of an owl sanctuary which has been looking after injured birds for decades have been left devastated after vandals caused damage “beyond repair”.

- TAITE JOHNSON

Police say they are investigating a number of reports of “mindless acts of vandalism” at the Owl Sanctuary in Ebbw Vale.

Malcolm Jones, 86, and his partner, Patricia Webb, 82, say the toilet facility at the Festival Park site has been destroyed. It means Malcolm has been unable to visit the sanctuary, where he has been caring for injured birds for nearly 30 years.

Gwent Police has received several reports of vandals at the site since Friday, April 4, and is investigating.

Staff members at the sanctuary found the toilets had been destroyed with walls being torn down, toilets being ripped out, sinks being smashed and the floors flooded in the disabled, women’s and men’s stalls.

The Owl Sanctuary in Festival Park was opened by Patricia and Malcolm in 1998. Malcolm has a love of birds and has used the sanctuary to help rehabilitate and provide a safe space for the rescued owls. The initial opening of the sanctuary saw Malcolm move the seven birds he previously kept in his garden into the facility.

The toilet has not been used by the public since Festival Park closed, but instead was used by staff members at the site, including co-owner Malcolm.