WEANING birds stolen from the home of the county’s “Doctor Doolittle” have been returned.

Roger Musselle, 75, who runs a wildlife centre from his Woodingdean home, said three baby Gold Finches had just 24 hours left to live without his care after they were stolen on Monday afternoon.

But thanks to a pet store worker, some detective work and the “good ol’ Argus”, they have now been returned.

Roger said: “We had them back within six hours,

“I feel so much better now.

“We’re not taking this any further as the brainless idiot concerned has paid the price and lost his job.”

Gold Finches require specialist attention to help them feed and Roger said most do not make it to adulthood.

But the birds were “doing great” in his care up until the theft.

The birds, which are about three inches long, were stolen along with their cage at about 12.30pm.

The theft happened while Roger was visiting the tip.

Roger contacted The Argus to help spread the message of the theft, as the birds were likely to die if they were not returned.

Roger was later contacted by someone who had seen the birds and they were reunited.

At the time of the reunion, Roger said: “The birds were delivered back at about quarter past five.

“It’s just nice to know there are people who are willing to help in the area.

“They were looking less than healthy but two of the three have come back to the condition they were in before they left.

“The other one we are working on in an incubator.”

Sadly, one of the birds died overnight.

But the Roger said he is working hard to rear the other two to maturity.

He said: “We fought for it all night in the incubator, but unfortunately it passed away.

“They were doing great until some idiot decided to do this.

“The other two are not brilliant as they were away for six hours, so they would have missed three feeds in that time.

“But at least we got them back.”

A fundraiser to help Roger after the theft has raised £240.

Roger helps more than 1,500 animals annually from his Woodingdean home.

He also confirmed that he has not had a holiday since 1964.

He is assisted by his wife Fleur and an army of volunteers.

Injured

He tends to injured gulls, rears hedgehogs through hibernation, and gives advice over the phone.

Roger said: “Everyone was terrific and I wanted to say a massive thank you to Emily who rung up.

“We really appreciate all the support that everyone has given us.

“And the fundraiser is a really nice gesture.”

If you see wildlife in trouble, ring Roger on 01273 308268.