Lawsuit Brings $3,000 Macaw Home

A rare Central American scarlet macaw that was allegedly birdnaped after it flew the coop last month has finally come home to roost.

The $3,000 macaw, named Big Bird, was returned to its owner, Kathleen Goss of Ventura, after she filed a lawsuit against a woman she claimed was holding the bird hostage.

Aura Elizabeth Tapia, 32, lured Goss’ prized pet into her Val Verde home on Jan. 11 with a tomato while Big Bird was on a flight with a female Mexican macaw named Lola, Los Angeles County deputies said.

Sheriff’s deputies sent out to investigate saw Big Bird flitting about Tapia’s house, but she told them that her husband had documents proving that the bird was hers. When the deputies returned the next day to check the papers, Tapia--and the bird--were gone. Tapia was arrested on suspicion of misappropriating property, but the bird was not recovered. In an effort to recover the bird, Goss filed a civil lawsuit for emotional distress against Tapia, who agreed to return the bird on condition that Goss’ attorney defend Tapia against the criminal charge pending against her. After the attorney agreed Sunday, the bird was returned to its cage.