New Jersey

Brutus Is Back, But Who Stole Parrot From Cape May County Zoo?

An African gray parrot stolen from a South Jersey zoo returned as the mystery surrounding who took the bird continued.

Brutus disappeared from the Cape May County Zoo on Sunday between his morning feeding and 2:15 p.m., when the staff returned to give him lunch.

Brutus was kept in a large cage in the zoo's aviary that was latched, but not locked.

Middle Township authorities found the African grey parrot walking along an area road Monday night, according to the Press of Atlantic City.

“They investigated and sure enough it was Brutus walking around,” said parks Director Edward Runyon.

Whoever took the parrot remained at large Tuesday.

Zookeeper Peter Cyr told The Press of AC locks seemed unnecessary because the parrots consistently try to bite or attack anyone who gets too close.

“They tried to pick him up, but Brutus isn’t the nicest of parrots," said Runyon. "In his cage he’ll whistle and talk but outside he doesn’t get along with people. He bit a couple of officers.”

Brutus' temperament could have saved him.

“It’s a very good possibility they thought they would be able to handle the bird, but him being aggressive like he is, I imagine he bit whoever it was,” Runyon said.

Zoo officials told the paper they were happy to have the bird -- worth around $800 to $1,000 -- back.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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