Mavro, an imprinted juvenile African black eagle, has been safely recovered after being spotted by a nearby resident several miles from the facility. Photo courtesy of West Coast Falconry

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Staff at West Coast Falconry are asking for the public’s help after a targeted break-in earlier this week led to the release of multiple captive birds of prey, several of which remain missing as of April 19.

The incident occurred overnight between April 16 and 17 at the falconry facility on Spring Valley Road, where an unknown intruder breached the property, damaged equipment and intentionally released 11 birds from their enclosures. According to the organization, specialized gear and tracking equipment were cut from the birds before they were forced out, making recovery efforts significantly more difficult.

As of April 19, one of the missing birds, Mavro, an imprinted juvenile African black eagle, has been safely recovered after being spotted by a nearby resident several miles from the facility. Staff said the bird returned home hungry but unharmed, despite having all of its tracking gear removed.

Four birds remain missing, including Walter, a great horned owl; Cora, a half-blind dark morph red-tailed hawk; Cubbie, a peregrine falcon; and Amadon, a barn owl. Facility staff emphasized that the birds are not wild and are unlikely to survive long on their own. Many are captive-bred, imprinted on humans or have special needs, making them especially vulnerable without proper care. Without their specialized equipment and training support, the birds face heightened risks of injury, starvation or death.

“We are actively working to locate and recover each bird and are asking for the public’s help,” the organization said in a public notice, urging residents to report sightings immediately and not attempt to approach the animals.

The Yuba County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident alongside the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and federal wildlife officials. Authorities are also looking into the motive behind the break-in, which appears to have been deliberate, particularly given the removal of identification and tracking gear. Some reports have also noted that a photograph of West Coast Falconry owner Kate Marden was found at the scene, torn and damaged, though the significance of that detail has not been confirmed.

West Coast Falconry, which provides educational programs and conservation outreach, said the loss has been both operationally and emotionally significant for staff. A fundraiser has been launched to support recovery efforts, replace damaged equipment and enhance security at the facility.

Community members in the Marysville area are encouraged to remain alert for unfamiliar or unusually approachable birds of prey and to contact West Coast Falconry at 530-749-0839 with any information.