THE Peacocks in Pittencrieff Park volunteers are marking one year since a horrific attack on the aviary which saw one of the birds brutally killed.

On May 30, 2022, the sanctuary was broken into and one of the peacocks, Malcolm, was beaten to death.

Another, Louis, suffered extensive injuries to his leg and neck but survived thanks to diligent and round-the-clock care from two of the wardens, Carlyn Cane and Suzi Ross.

He still hasn’t returned to the park with the other birds, instead remaining within the safety of the enclosure.

Dunfermline Press: Louis (front) was severely injured in the attack. Photo: Carlyn Cane. Louis (front) was severely injured in the attack. Photo: Carlyn Cane. (Image: Carlyn Cane)

Police identified two boys, aged 11 and 13, in connection with the incident.

The case has been “dealt” with by the Children’s Hearing System.

Carlyn said: “Suzi and I tended to Louis day and night for six weeks solid, and we nearly lost him several times, but he is a strong willed boy and has overcome his physical injuries, however he was extremely jumpy and spooked easily for a while.

“We have tried to put him back out into the park, but he would not go, even flying at me to get back into the enclosure.

“He feels safer in there and due to him being the oldest male in there, he rules the roost and is such a sweet natured boy.”

More than £16,000 was raised by wellwishers in the aftermath of the attack and a memorial garden on Malcolm’s grave site, to the left of the aviary, has now been completed.

It will serve as a tribute “not only for Malcolm but for all the birds we have lost”, Carlyn explained.

Dunfermline Press: Peahen Charley lives at home with volunteer Carlyn after being born with deformities in her legs. Photo: Carlyn Cane. Peahen Charley lives at home with volunteer Carlyn after being born with deformities in her legs. Photo: Carlyn Cane. (Image: Carlyn Cane)

She added: “This garden and the upkeep of the birds would not happen without the love and support of the people of Dunfermline and beyond, and our extremely dedicated volunteers for whom we are always tremendously grateful.”

The group relies solely on donations and with food and upkeep costs running at around £150 per week, they have organised an upcoming fundraising night in Dunfermline.

Volunteers also spend around £100 a month on vet and medication costs for peahen Charley, who was born with deformities in her legs and lives at home with Carlyn.

The race night will take place tomorrow (Friday) at the Rumblingwell pub.

Tickets are £10 and can be purchased from the pub, the aviary in the Glen, or by messaging the Peacocks in Pittencrieff Park Facebook page.