(KMJ) – Fresno Chaffee Zoo is appealing to the community as the search continues for two stolen birds.
A lesser sulphur-crested cockatoo and a Nicobar pigeon were stolen from the Zoo early Sunday morning.
Security footage shows someone entering the Australian Asian Aviary at Fresno Chaffee Zoo at approximately 4:30 a.m. The person appears to cut the lock from the aviary doors, capture two birds and exit with them in a duffel bag. Both birds are long-term residents of the Zoo and of advanced age.
Zoo officials reported the crime and Fresno Police Department is leading the investigation. Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact Fresno Chaffee Zoo’s Safety and Security Manager at (559) 470-6872.
Nicobar pigeons are listed as near threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN). Lesser-sulphur crested cockatoos are listed as critically endangered. Both species are legal to own as part of the pet trade.
“In addition to supporting the police in their investigation, we have also reached out to local veterinary hospitals and pet stores so they are aware that these beloved animals are missing from the Zoo,” said Scott Barton, Chaffee Zoo CEO.. “We are appealing to anyone in the community to provide any information that would result in the safe return of these two beloved animals.”
