UPDATE from Fresno Chaffee Zoo 1:11pm on Monday, November 30:
Thanks to the support of the community and the media coverage, the Nicobar pigeon, affectionately known as “Old Man Nicobar” by zookeepers, has been returned to the Zoo. A member of the community recognized the bird after seeing a story on the news, immediately contacted our team and brought the bird to us. Our team is continuing to search for Charlie, the lesser sulphur-crested cockatoo.
FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Fresno Chaffee Zoo asks for the community’s help aa they search for two birds stolen from the zoo.
A lesser sulphur-crested cockatoo and a Nicobar pigeon were stolen from the Zoo early Sunday morning.
Security footage shows someone entering the Australasian Aviary 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 duffle bag.
Both birds are long-term residents of the Zoo and of advanced age.
“Our bird zookeepers and entire team are deeply concerned for the safety of both of these animals. Due to their age, both require special care and treatment. We do not know the condition of either bird and we hope to get them back quickly so that our veterinary team can examine them and continue the care they require,” said Lyn Myers, General Curator.
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, 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.”
