Video shows African grey parrot being stolen off OC family's porch; owners hope to find rare bird
SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- A Santa Ana family is pleading for the public's help in tracking down their beloved parrot after it was snatched off their front porch and shoved into a waiting SUV.
Video shows the African grey parrot getting some sun in its cage before someone walked up to the front porch, grabbed the bird cage with the parrot inside and then take off.
The man took off in a red SUV, what appears to be a Ford Excursion, after snatching the bird.
The pet bird, Luna, was stolen around March 12 around 1:20 p.m. in the 200 block of South Sycamore in Santa Ana. Police believe there were at least two people involved.
"Typically we have him out for a little while, just to get some sun, and the person just came in and in a matter of seconds took the bird and the cage," said Karen Gerardo, one of Luna's owners.
The bird has been with its family for about 10 years and is very attached to the family's son.
"No different than losing a dog or cat," said Gerardo. "Birds, specifically, have their own personality. So it is a loss for our home."
Luna was known to say "hello" when someone answered their cellphone, and sing along and mimic certain movies and shows. Gerardo said Luna would even laugh during conversations.
"A joy to have around," said Gerardo.
Something unique about Luna's breed is that they are identifiable with a red tail. Another way Luna is identifiable is that she has a hormonal medical condition that she takes daily medication for, which has also caused her to pluck feathers off of her wings.
The African grey parrot is an expensive bird given that they are highly intelligent and can live for up to 70 or 80 years. They can go for anywhere between $2,500 and $5,000.
Gerardo said her family has received a lot of support from other pet owners in the area and on social media, with people sharing the video online and even going to parks to be on the lookout.
They are hoping someone can identify the suspects and return Luna home.
"It's been difficult. You know, the cage wasn't a small cage," said Gerardo. "It was a 4' by 2' in the middle of our living room, and having that void is a daily reminder that our pet is no longer with us. Not because it died, but because it was stolen by someone."
