‘Budge Lightyear': Feathery 'astronaut' crash-lands at National Space Centre, awaits ‘owner-ship'

Budge Lightyear, a feathered astronaut with wings instead of wingsuits, has crash-landed at the National Space Centre (NSC)! 

This intrepid voyager, a lost budgerigar, much like Buzz Lightyear — the fictional protagonist in Disney–Pixar's Toy Story franchise —  rocketed away from his home planet (cage) and is now lost in the vast unknown — NSC's parking lot.

But fear not, fellow space rangers! The RSPCA, Earth's elite animal rescue squad, has beamed Budge Lightyear to their Woodside Animal Centre. 

Talking to BBC, animal officer Ellie Grindod said: "It is highly likely that he is an escaped pet and we would love to reunite him with his owner, so we urge anyone who recognises him to contact us.

"Thanks to the swift action of everyone involved, Budge Lightyear has now embarked on a new adventure at our Woodside Animal Centre.

"His epic journey serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion in safeguarding our feathered friends, wherever they may roam."

Malika Andress, from the National Space Centre, said: "Our team rallied round to ensure Budge enjoyed their time with us, but, despite being scientists, engineers, educators and specialists in our field, looking after budgies is outside our expertise - we know a lot about other flying things."

So, space buffs, lend a wing and help bring Budge Lightyear home! Let's prove that even the smallest creatures can have the most epic adventures, and that kindness knows no bounds, even in the farthest reaches of the galaxy (or, you know, a car park). 

Remember, infinity and beyond isn't the only option – let's get Budge Lightyear back to where he belongs!