OLDSMAR, Fla. (WFLA) — Surveillance video from a pet store in Florida shows a woman browsing the baby bird section, before picking one up and apparently stuffing it in her bag.
The incident happened around 9:52 a.m. on Saturday at Everything Birds in Oldsmar, about 16 miles west of Tampa, just as the store was opening in preparation for an event.
Camera footage shows the woman reaching her hand into a petter, taking the Black Headed Caique and then walking out of the store, allegedly without paying.
Store owner Kirsten Cunningham told Nexstar’s WFLA that the baby bird is worth $2,400.
“We just want the bird’s safe return so we can care for it properly,” Cunningham said.
She added that the bird requires formula and cannot eat on its own yet.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed deputies are investigating the incident. No other details were given as the investigation is ongoing.