Stolen Parrot Requires Medication, Special Food

A young Congo African gray parrot was stolen from a Torrance pet store Monday, and its handlers expressed fear the $1,200 bird will die if it does not get special feedings and medication.

Lee Kish, manager of Animal Lovers Pet Shop, said she has hand-fed the 4-month-old bird since it was a hatchling rejected by its parents. A veterinarian recently prescribed medication for a bacterial infection the bird carries.

Workers at the pet store believe a customer walked out with the parrot. “The probability of the person who took him knowing how to take care of him is slim to none, and he probably wouldn’t last two weeks in the wrong hands,” Kish said. The parrot is described as ranging from light gray to dark gray along its body, with a brilliant red tail. Tomi Takemoto, the pet shop’s owner, is offering an unspecified reward for its return. Anyone with information about the parrot is asked to call the shop at (213) 378-3052.