Parakeets shot and killed with catapults in southeast London

Lizzie McAllister | Deputy News Editor Published September 9, 2026 10:55am Updated September 9, 2026 11:40am Five parakeets were found dead in the park on Monday (Picture: Rae Gellel) More than 40 of London’s famous parakeets have been killed in just one park over the past three weeks. The bodies of five ring-necked parakeets were found in Priory Gardens in Orpington, southeast London, on Monday alone, bringing the park’s recent death toll up to 43. Rae Gellel, director of the Greenwich Wildlife Network, said the birds – who roost in groups at night – are often targeted in their sleep. She added that gangs of youths reportedly shine bright lights at the birds to stun them before targeting them with catapults and heavy ball bearings, nuts or bolts. But nearby residents and park visitors also say they have witnessed attacks in the daytime, with some perpetrators even filming the killings and uploading them to TikTok. Gellel said the attacks began in 2020 and have not exclusively been aimed at the parakeets. Some 43 birds have been found dead in the park in the past three weeks (Picture: Rae Gellel) Gellel said attacks on wildlife in the park began in 2020 (Picture: Rae Gellel) Squirrels, pigeons, coots and ducks have all been targeted previously. In a bid to curb the attacks, the Greenwich Wildlife Network is calling for stricter regulation on the sale of catapults to under-18s. They are also urging law enforcement to make tackling wildlife crime a priority. Police are now investigating the killings with the assistance of Bromley Council, which said the deaths of the bright green birds ‘continue to be a concern’. Why are there parakeets in London? Latest London news The ring-necked parakeet is a non-native species in London, but the birds have become a common sight in parks and gardens across the capital. Parakeets are an invasive species in London (Picture: Amer Ghazzal/Shutterstock) Although they are non-native, parakeets are entitled to the same legal welfare standards as native species (Picture: Rae Gellel) No one knows for sure where they came from, but it is thought they may have been domestic pets which were released or escaped in the 20th century and adapted to the environment. Even though they are classed as an invasive species and are subject to different legal controls than native birds, wildlife campaigners say that legal welfare standards still apply to them. Gellel said: ‘Being classed as an invasive or non-native species does not remove an animal’s capacity to suffer, nor does it make deliberate cruelty acceptable. ‘Where wildlife control is lawful, it is still subject to legal conditions and welfare requirements. A catapult attack leaving a bird grievously wounded is not something that should be brushed aside simply because of the species involved.’ A Bromley Council spokesperson said: ‘There continues to be concern, which is shared by all, at what appears to be the distressing maiming or killing of birds, including most recently parakeets, which we are aware of, with thanks to the vigilance of local residents and the Friends of Parks group.’ Metro has contacted the Metropolitan Police for comment. Arrow MORE: This is why you can’t moo-ve for Highland cows right now Arrow MORE: Zoo worker dragged into death roll and killed by crocodile after staff were filmed ‘taunting them’ Arrow MORE: London Tube station trials a ‘calm space’ — I’m neurodivergent and I’m not convinced News Updates Stay on top of the headlines with daily email updates.