BIRD LOVERS in Dawlish have been devastated after one of the new cygnets was lost.

One of the clutch of five new arrivals to black swan couple Bert and Kimba was reported missing on Sunday night.

Despite searches by member of the public and the town’s waterfowl wardens, there has been no sign of the youngster.

A spokesman for the waterfowl wardens said: ‘We’re incredibly saddened to share that one of Bertie and Kimba’s precious cygnets went missing on Sunday night.

‘Despite the wardens and many caring community members keeping a close lookout and searching for the little one, sadly, there has been no sign of it.

‘At this stage, we simply don’t know what happened, and while we all hope for a positive outcome, we know that nature can sometimes be heartbreaking.

‘After watching these beautiful little cygnets hatch, take their first steps, venture onto the water and begin exploring the world around them, we know just how attached so many of you have become to this little family.

‘The good news is the remaining four cygnets are doing well, with Bertie and Kimba continuing to care for them.

‘These beautiful birds have become such a special part of our community, and we know this news will be upsetting for many of you.’

The wardens have been thanked for their efforts.

Bert and Kimba are said to be keeping a very close eye on the remaining four cygnets.

Meanwhile, the consultation on the future of the Dawlish aviary has now closed.

Dawlish Town Council thanked everyone who took part in sharing views on how the site should be redeveloped for the future.

The aviary has been empty following a devastating outbreak of highly pathogenic Avian flu in 2025 which saw up to 50 birds humanely culled.

It was a popular visitor attraction and home to a variety of ornamental birds such as tufted duck, mandarin duck and shelduck.

Since the outbreak, the town council has worked with senior veterinary officers from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to consider how to bring the site back into safe use.

It has been left empty for 12 months as to reopen it sooner would have required costly stringent cleansing and disinfection measures.

The consultation asked for opinions on three options.

Option one is an ornamental waterfowl aviary which means rebuilding to house ornamental waterfowl.

Option 2 is a UK conservation breed aviary.

And Option 3 is an education centre with no birds or animals.

A town council spokesman said: ‘Dawlish Town Council is delighted with the number of responses received from residents, visitors and supporters who took the time to share their views on the future of this important community asset.

‘The level of engagement throughout the consultation has been fantastic and demonstrates just how passionately people feel about the future of the Aviary.

‘Feedback received through the consultation will help inform future decisions regarding the redevelopment of this important community asset.

‘Responses will be reviewed and analysed before being presented to the Dawlish Town Council Civic Amenities Committee for consideration and discussion.’

The council will also consider the consultation outcomes before determining its position regarding any future discussions with the organiser of the independently established GoFundMe fundraiser.