Last Saturday, someone broke into the charity farm’s aviary by force and stole all three canary birds.

According to CCTV footage, the door was forced open using a crowbar. Workers came into the aviary the next day to find that the canaries were gone.

Sarah Wild, Co-CEO at Heeley City Farm, said: “We do get quite a bit of vandalism here, being in the city, but it’s very unusual to have vandalism or animal theft.”

Ms Wild believes that whoever has taken the birds has done so either to keep as a pet, or to sell on. They are valued at approximately £40 each.

On an Instagram post, the farm made a statement: “These little birds brought a calming presence and beautiful sounds to the farm, especially uplifting for our nurture groups who benefit greatly by taking time out to sit in the aviary. 

“We can only hope they’re being cared for wherever they are, though it’s hard to believe that anyone who would steal from us would show that level of kindness.”

Heeley City Farm welcomes an average of 5,000 school children and tens of thousands of visitors a year. The farm provides education, employment and volunteering opportunities.

The aviary, which housed the canaries outside, is a relatively new addition to the farm, and came about as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It was built to provide an outdoor space for people that worked on the farm, as regulations meant they weren’t able to see the small animals indoors. 

Ms Wild said that anyone with information about the break-in and theft should pass the information on to Heeley City Farm, or to South Yorkshire Police.

CCTV footage has now been shared with South Yorkshire Police.