Dozens of parakeets have been found dead in a London park following alleged attacks by youths armed with catapults, according to a wildlife charity. In just three weeks, 43 ring-necked parakeets were discovered in Priory Gardens in Orpington, southeast London.
The Greenwich Wildlife Network stated that the youths target the birds as they roost in trees after dark. The perpetrators reportedly shine bright lights at the birds before firing projectiles from catapults. Campaigners have previously found ball bearings, nuts, and bolts in the park, consistent with ammunition for such devices. Some recovered birds displayed deep circular wounds and severe fractures, indicative of being struck by projectiles.
One parakeet was found alive in the park's lake with a significant chest wound. Volunteers attempted to aid the bird, but it died shortly after rescue. Rae Gellel, director and founder of Greenwich Wildlife Network, noted that attacks on animals in Priory Gardens have been reported since 2020.
"The reality is even more disturbing than the death toll suggests, because animals are not simply being killed," Gellel said. "We have seen them horrifically maimed - blinded, left with severe fractures, their beaks shattered so badly they can no longer feed, and dependent young left orphaned after their parents have been killed."
Gellel suggested that one motive for the attacks is to share footage of the animal killings on social media platforms like TikTok, turning cruelty into content. She expressed concern that some young people appear to take pleasure in inflicting pain and suffering on animals and may seek attention for broadcasting it online.
The issue extends beyond parakeets, with ducks, geese, pigeons, gulls, squirrels, and foxes also reportedly targeted over the years. The attacks have caused emotional distress to local residents who frequent the park.
Greenwich Wildlife Network is advocating for stricter controls on catapult sales to individuals under 18 and for law enforcement to prioritize wildlife crime. "This is sustained, deliberate cruelty, and after so many years it is incredibly frustrating that it is still happening," Gellel stated. "After six or seven years of animals being shot, maimed and killed with no let-up, the answer cannot simply be to carry on as we have been."
While ring-necked parakeets are a non-native species and can be subject to control under certain legal conditions, this classification does not permit the public to indiscriminately injure or kill them. The wildlife network has organized protests and demonstrations against catapult cruelty since at least 2024, including a march in Orpington on March 30. A separate parliamentary petition calling for parents to be held legally responsible for wildlife crimes committed by their children has garnered nearly 2,000 signatures.
Gareth Bacon, the Conservative MP for Orpington, has previously called for catapult sales to be licensed. A spokesperson for Bromley Council acknowledged the ongoing concern regarding the distressing maiming or killing of birds, including recent parakeet incidents, attributing awareness to the vigilance of local residents and park support groups.