Adrian Chiles recently revealed his adventurous childhood escapade in helping smuggle a budgie to Australia! Back in the 1970s, Adrian’s Auntie Lily and Uncle Sid had returned to Birmingham from Perth but soon missed their Aussie life. The catch? Their beloved budgie, Timmy, wasn’t allowed back Down Under due to strict regulations.
Being just a child, Adrian played a part in an operation to help Timmy make the journey in Auntie Lily’s handbag! Timmy, described as a charming bird, was trained to withstand the trip, complete with discreet feeding and flapping breaks during flight stopovers. The stakes were high, as Lily even had a backup plan involving a rather sinister “budgie poison” in case of discovery.
Despite all odds and nail-biting tension, the family received a relieving three-word telegram: “All is well.” Lily, Sid, and Timmy safely returned to Perth, where they lived happily ever after.
Adrian amusingly reflected that this escapade still feels like the longest flight he ever experienced, even though he wasn’t on it! It’s an extraordinary tale of love, adventure, and a hint of childhood mischief. Isn’t it amazing what lengths people will go for their pets? 🐦✈️