People in Swansea are being urged to look out for one of the largest owls in the world, after it escaped from an outdoor pursuits centre during strong winds.

Mr Whoo, a European Eagle Owl with a six-foot wingspan, got away from Clyne Farm when part of his aviary blew down last weekend.

He is going to get weaker, and come down lower, where he could get picked off by a fox

Geoff Hayden

The six-year-old bird was bred in captivity at centre, where he is used in talks on conservation.

Now managers at the centre are worried for his safety.

As the bird is not used to catching his own prey, they are concerned he could become too weak to defend himself from predators.

After initial fears that Mr Whoo would get blown away in the strong winds, he was sighted on Wednesday in the nearby Clyne Gardens.

Despite efforts, he could not be coaxed down from his position 40ft up in the trees.

He was spotted again on Friday, but outdoor pursuits manager Geoff Haden is concerned that, as he gets weaker, he could become vulnerable.

"He is not going to feed himself well as he is not used to catching his own food.

Mr Whoo, aged six weeks old, with a handler

"He is going to get weaker, and come down lower, where he could get picked off by a fox."

Mr Haden said Mr Whoo was not aggressive and was used to being around humans, but his talons could become dangerous if cornered.

Since appealing for help with the missing bird, Mr Haden has received calls reporting sightings in Abergavenny and Merthyr Tydfil, but he said he would be surprised if he had got that far.

"He has a fairly big aviary, but he is not getting a lot of exercise - he is not that strong," he said.

"It is the equivalent of someone who watches TV all day trying to run a marathon - they would not get very far."

Woodland hunter

Mr Haden added it was unlikely Mr Whoo would return to his aviary on his own.

"I don't know if he would recognise it. They are not particularly bright birds - this wise old owl thing is a bit of a myth."

The European Eagle Owl is the largest species of owl in the world, and is a woodland hunter.

Their size means they can prey on fox small deer although they will be happier catching smaller prey and regularly hunt for rabbit.

Anyone who sees Mr Whoo is being urged to contact Clyne Farm on 01792 403333.