Wimbledon's Hawk Rufus Is Returned To His Owners

Ace News: Wimbledon's Hawk Found 'Safe And Well'

The Hawk that patrols the skies of Wimbledon has been returned to its owners after it was snatched by thieves during the first week of the tennis tournament.

Harris Hawk Rufus, who deters pigeons from the All England Club, was stolen along with his cage overnight between Thursday and Friday.

But he has been handed in to the RSPCA in Putney, south west London, and is safely back in his owners' hands, police confirmed tonight.

High-flyer: Rufus the Harris Hawk, who patrols the skies above Wimbledon

Rufus' twitter account, written by his owners, said: "We can confirm the news is true RUFUS HAS BEEN FOUND safe and well & reunited with family!! Thank you so much for your support #FindRufus".

Rufus was taken from a car parked on a private drive in Dunstall Road, Wimbledon, with the rear window open for ventilation.

His family were left distressed after the four-and-a-half year old, reared as part of the family-run business Avian Environmental Consultants and seen as a pet, was taken.

Rufus, an American Harris Hawk, has become a well-known fixture at the south-west London club, with visitors often stopping to ask for photos with the hawk.

Hawking was first introduced to the All England Club in 1999 as an environmentally-friendly method of pest control.

Pigeons are not the Harris Hawk's natural prey, and they are trained not to attack but to circle and fly around the courts to scare the birds.

Rufus is flown each morning and evening of the championships before and after play, but not during, to avoid any distraction.

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