Stolen Duncanville macaw is returned safely

by Danielle Parker of Duncanville TODAY

Max the macaw was found with someone who says they purchased him; police are still investigating.

The search is over for Pet Village's popular blue and gold macaw. As of Jan. 5, Max has been returned.

Aug. 26, around 4 a.m. Pet Village's surveillance cameras caught two suspects breaking into the pet center, located on the 200 block of North Main Street, with only one target, Max, according to store owner Chris Roberts.

When Roberts arrived at the store, Max was the only thing missing.

“They took nothing else but Max,” he said. “It was a get-in-and-out operation. Video footage showed the two go straight to Max's cage and when they were unable to break the lock, they just pulled on the door and broke it off the hinges.”

Just before Christmas, a customer came into the pet store and informed the owners that they knew the bird's whereabouts.

Duncanville Police Department confiscated Max Jan. 3 and took him to Tri-City Animal Shelter, where he spent the weekend. Monday morning he was returned to his rightful owners, according to Michele Roberts, Pet Village owner.

“The person Max was taken from says he purchased him,” Michele said. “While DPD is still investigating, we know that this is Max and customers know as well.”

The rare and exotic bird has been the focal point of Pet Village all of his life, according to Chris.

“Max has been here since the store came to Duncanville 28 years ago,” he said. “We considered him our mascot and the centerpiece of our bird area.”

With Max gone for more than four months, Michele said everyone seems to be overjoyed at his safe return.

‘It's a very happy reunion,” she said. “He has lost some weight and has a torn ligament, but he is in good shape. We are just happy to have him back at home.”