Brazen Birdnapping: Moreno Valley Pet Store Greeter Taken

MORENO VALLEY, Aug. 16, 2007 (KABC-TV) (KABC) -- A parrot has been stolen from a Southland pet store, and this theft is personal. The valuable bird wasn't for sale -- he was the mascot and official greeter at the store, and now he's missing.

Prehistoric Times Reptile and Fish Pet Store in Moreno Valley has some very unusual pets. But the most colorful and entertaining pet, the store's official greeter, Hercules, a 14-year-old military macaw, is missing.

The store owner said it was a brazen midday birdnapping.

"They came in, there were three. They were talking to employees and left," said pet store owner Suzie Trinidad. "Twenty minutes later, came back, and basically grabbed him, threw a blanket on him, or a sweatshirt, so he won't make too much noise. But he did make noise."

The clerk on duty heard the noise, but the thieves moved quickly.

"After I heard the bird squawk, I ran out this door to the left of me, and I yelled at him to come back," said clerk Mike McKinley. "And he jumped in the car and took off."

A tattoo artist next door saw the birdnappers get into a green, four-door early 90s Toyota Camry. He says the plates were covered.

"That's when I seen the guy run out with the bird. Actually, I didn't even see that he had the bird until he hopped in the car, and I seen the back feathers of the bird," said tattoo artist Tony Majringer. "And I seen Mike running out, you know, yelling, trying to stop him."

Susie Trinidad said all would be forgiven if Hercules were safely returned.

"Absolutely, no questions asked," said Trinidad. "They could even bring him back and just leave him, put him back in the cage and leave him here and just leave. We would be okay with that.

Moreno Valley police tell Eyewitness News that they are working some good leads and believe Hercules will be safely returned to the store.

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