Surrey Police is appealing for information following two separate thefts of exotic animals from Beaver Water World in Tatsfield.

In the first incident a green Amazon parrot was stolen from the aviary sometime between 7pm on Monday, 14th March and 3.15pm on Thursday, 17th March, a ring-tailed lemur was taken from its cage.

Both the parrot and the lemur are identifiable and require a specific diet. The lemur is elderly and has left its companions.

It is not known how the animals were removed or how the suspect or suspects gained access to site. One witness has reported seeing a white van with a damaged side driving around the premises and parking in the car park on Wednesday, 16th March. The same van was also seen parked in Tatsfield.

Detective constable Tony Noble, investigating officer, said: "It is vital these animals are returned to their rightful owner, as they have specific welfare needs which they would not be receiving anywhere elsewhere.

"This is a particularly unusual crime and we are liaising with staff at Beaver Water World and also working with the National Theft Register for Exotic Animals. I am appealing to people to be vigilant, specifically pet shop owners and those who regularly work with animals. Have you recently been approached by someone selling a parrot or lemur, or have you had cause to treat one in the last few days and believe it could be stolen?

"Lemurs are protected species and should not be kept as pets so it would be particularly unusual for someone to keep one at home. Has someone you know recently acquired such an animal?

"Perhaps you were in the Tatsfield area around the time of the thefts and remember seeing something suspicious but thought nothing of it at the time? Any information, no matter how small could help us find these animals and reunite them with their rightful owner. So if you do know something, please get in touch."

Anyone with information should contact DC Noble at Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222, quoting references TD/11/1308 and TD/11/1348. Details can also be given to The National Theft Register for Exotic Animals on 01869 325699.

Call 0845 125 2222 for all non-emergency policing matters.

Call 999 if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (eg a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger).

Call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information about crime and don't want to leave your name.