A FRIENDLY feathery cuddle could land a man literally in the cage.
A police raid on Monday night is believed to be the result of a tip-off after extensive press coverage of the theft of the bird from a Dandenong pet shop last week.
Police have charged a man over the incident.
Living Jungle pet shop owner George Andrew accompanied police on Monday night to a Pearcedale property to identify the macaw.
But it was Ellie, the seven-year-old macaw, who convinced police she belonged to Mr Andrew.
Armed with a torch Mr Andrew found the macaw in an unlit aviary.
“She was very stressed out in the aviary and she couldn’t see me because of the torchlight,” he said.
“But then I put the torch to my face and started talking to her.
“She jumped on my arm and gave me a cuddle.”
“The police then said ‘she’s yours’.”
The pair then left the property a happy couple.
Mr Andrew said Ellie was now delighted to be home.
“She is jumping on everyone’s arms and is obviously very happy,” he said.
“Staff are also really, really excited.
“Ellie is part of our family.”
Mr Andrew said he would now focus on further securing his shop to ensure Ellie is kept in a safe place while the shop is closed.
•A 35-year-old Pearcedale man is due to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 4 September charged with burglary, theft and handling stolen goods.
– Shaun Inguanzo
