A RARE and critically endangered bird was found in the car park of Stretford Mall by astonished shoppers.


It was initially believed that the northern bald ibis had escaped from a zoo in Stoke some years ago, but experts at Chester Zoo are baffled as to where the bird came from.


Can Sonmez, 39, and his two children saw the ibis as they were walking to the mall on Saturday, July 20.


“It was basically flying up and down and the literally fell down the side of the building. When I actually picked it up it looked quite lethargic as if it hadn’t fed for a while.


“I knew it was an ibis as we’d seen them before at Chester Zoo, but I didn’t realise it was a critically endangered species of ibis.”


Can, of St Andrews Road, Stretford, then took the bird home and called Chester Zoo, the curator of which collected the mystery bird a couple of days later.


Curator of birds, Andrew Owen, said: “We’re pleased to report that after some TLC from our bird keepers and vets the northern bald ibis is now getting on really, really well.


“As for where it came from, the quest continues. It doesn’t have a microchip and the number on its leg ring doesn’t tally with any of the birds on the database, which lists all of the individuals kept by zoos.


“The species is able to fly great distances though so it is possible that it may have travelled here from a zoo in Europe. We’ll keep making enquiries and will contact the studbook keeper and try to get to the bottom of it.


“In the meantime our teams will continue to give it lots of care and attention here in our quarantine facilities.


“The northern bald ibis is critically endangered and our birds are part of a breeding programme working to save the species from extinction. So if we can’t locate its origin we’ll be happy to welcome it into our group once it has cleared quarantine.”


Can added: “The curator said we could visit when it’s out of quarantine and I really hope we do because my kids were so excited.”