Early Morning Theft
Thursday morning began with a theft and unsettling event for Marcus Lozano, the owner of Feathered Friends & Co., a popular bird store in Corpus Christi, Texas. Instead of a day filled with birthday celebrations, Lozano saw a smashed side window at his shop. His immediate discovery: Romeo, a cherished blue-and-gold Macaw, was missing from his cage.
Owner’s Reaction and the Special Care for Macaws
Visibly upset by the theft, Lozano voiced his profound worries for the stolen Macaw. “I’m kind of sick to my stomach thinking about where he could be, if he’s hurt, or if he’s receiving proper care. I want to get him back,” he stated. Additionally, he emphasized the extensive needs of a Macaw like Romeo, which include a large cage, fresh fruits, vegetables, and continuous stimulation to thrive. “They’re not supposed to live in their cage,” Lozano clarified, likening it to a bedroom within a more expansive living area.
Security Footage Reveals Theft Details
With the aid of security cameras from neighboring businesses, Lozano was able to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the theft. The cameras captured a man pacing around the building in the early hours, soon followed by an older model Gold Chevrolet Malibu arriving on the scene. Subsequent video footage showed the suspect forcibly entering Feathered Friends and swiftly making his getaway with Romeo, whom he wrapped and held tightly under his arm.
Community and Police Response
The theft has ignited a robust response from the community. Lozano’s social media posts, which have been widely circulated, have encouraged residents to search for the described vehicle and suspect. In response, the Corpus Christi Police Department arrived at the scene and has been diligently investigating the case, providing updates, and analyzing further footage from the vicinity.
Impact on Business
The robbery has also impacted the broader operations of Feathered Friends & Co., which doubles as a bird boarding facility. Lozano revealed that some customers now hesitate to board their pets at the facility, fearing for their safety. Despite this, the community’s support has been overwhelming, with numerous tips reported to help locate Romeo and apprehend the thief.
Ongoing Efforts and a Plea for Help
As efforts continue to recover Romeo and restore safety and trust in the community, Lozano and his team remain hopeful. They urge anyone with information to come forward to aid in the recovery of Romeo and to help prevent future incidents. Lozano’s commitment to his feathered friends and community is stronger than ever, underscoring the need for vigilance and solidarity in such challenges.