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Thieves have stolen 11 endagered ducks from a Sunderland wildlife park.
The rare Philippine ducks were stolen from the Washington Wetlands Centre's bird sanctuary.
Leanne McCormella, marketing manager at the centre, said: "We are devastated by the loss of these beautiful birds, which were a notable breeding success for WWT Washington this year.
"Different species become valuable to private collectors at different times and Philippine ducks, which are part of the mallard family, are difficult to breed.
"This breeding season has been a particularly poor one for the species nationally and, unfortunately, this has made them more sought after.
"We still have our adult breeding stock and there are two remaining ducklings, which are now being transferred to our headquarters at Slimbridge, in Gloucestershire, to become part of their breeding programme.
"We are co-operating fully with the police in this matter and hope that the perpetrators are brought to justice."
The break in was reported to police at about 1.30pm on Monday but it is believed it took place some time between 5pm on Thursday, August 19, and 9am on Tuesday, August 24.
Neighbourhood beat manager Pc Richard O'Sullivan said: "We'd urge anyone with information about the whereabouts of the ducks and who is responsible for stealing them to contact police."
Police are using mobile CCTV cameras to monitor the site in a bid to prevent any further thefts.
In April this year thieves stole and shot the centre's only two Cape Barren geese during an overnight raid. They also stole an imitation North American gun from a display cabinet.
One of the geese was later found dead at Barmston Pond in Sheringham House.
The Philippine duck is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
In 2002, less than 10,000 of the birds were left in the world.
Anyone with any information should phone Northumbria Police on 03456 043 04 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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