West Auckland charity BirdCare Aotearoa is "devastated" after an early morning break-in at their wild bird hospital in Green Bay earlier this week.
Police said that a burglary occurred at the Avonleigh Rd premises around midnight on Thursday.
A few administration items were stolen from the reception area, and damage was caused by the break-in, according to a BirdCare Aotearoa spokesperson.
The organisation, New Zealand's largest avian hospital which cares for over 6000 rescued birds yearly, said the full implications of the burglary could potentially cost thousands.
"We are now seeking funding for an upgraded security system with additional cameras for monitoring the safety of the birds."
Workers, many of whom are volunteers, were relieved to find that none of the birds were harmed during the incident, which only affected the administration area.
"Our small team is feeling very shaken by this".
The break-in is a "real blow for the centre" which has "recently been through a tough time."
"Due to increasing costs and declining revenue, they have called on community for support to get through."
BirdCare Aotearoa are currently fundraising to keep the hospital's doors open.
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