ACTON — Police are investigating after, Riff-Raff, a three-year-old golden eagle, was reported stolen from an aviary in Acton.

On Sunday, Jan. 28, Wellington County OPP were called to the Hawkeye Bird and Animal Control location on First Line. Sometime between Jan. 27 and 28, unknown suspects entered the facility and reportedly stole the six kilogram eagle, valued at $15,000.

Dan Frankian is the owner of the Hawkeye bird location. The company, among many other things, offers nuisance bird and wildlife removal using raptors. But that's not what Riff-Raff was used for.

Frankian said Riff-Raff was used primarily as a show and demonstration bird. He was picked up two and a half years ago from a breeder in Peterborough and has needed constant medical attention ever since.

"He needs constant vitamin care," Frankian said. The bird's condition has steadily improved over time, but he still requires a lot of special care.

The golden eagle has his own 40-by-60-foot aviary, built specially for him. The facility offers bird education to tour groups that stop in and Riff-Raff was always "the crown jewel" of the show, he said. He was the only golden eagle at the facility and was always the star of the show.

"Golden eagles are the top-end of all birds of prey. They are the biggest. They are the best."

Riff-Raff has a wingspan of nearly two metres across. He's described as brown with white flecks, standing 76 cm tall.

Police say the bird is not a pet and should not be approached.

Officers said the thief likely had extensive knowledge and training to handle a bird of this size.