THE hunt is on after an aptly-named owl who fled her home, with an appeal being launched on the day Britain was meant to leave the EU.

The European eagle owl, called Brexit, was among the residents at Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre, but has flown away.

As news broke that Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal had been defeated by MPs again, handlers urged members of the public to help find the two-and-a-half year old owl, born and raised at the Ringwood-based falconry centre, who took leave of her owners and decided to go it alone.

Brexit flew off from the charity and conservation centre during a flying demonstration on Monday, March 18, after being spooked.

Now the centre is urging anyone in the New Forest area who may have caught sight of the non-native species to get in touch so she can be returned home.

Jayson Bridges, who has more than 20 years of experience working with raptors, has spent a number of days tracking the 6lb owl in an attempt to convince her to return to her aviary.

But much like Theresa May’s negotiations with the EU, his pleas to entice her down have fallen on deaf ears.

Jayson said: “Brexit was hatched and hand-reared here on site at Liberty’s not long before the EU referendum in 2016, and has a strong and stable bond with our team of falconers.

“But unfortunately, sometimes birds can go missing during a flying demonstration.

“We do have robust procedures in place to keep this type of occurrence to a minimum.”

With a wingspan of more than 5ft, bright orange eyes and distinctive ‘ear’ tufts, she is significantly bigger than any of the UK’s five native owls.

Anyone who thinks they may have spotted Brexit is urged not to approach her and call to Liberty’s on 01425 476487.