Hunt on for lost parrot

Deepa Bharath

COSTA MESA -- A local breeder of exotic birds is asking for public

help in finding her Congo African Gray parrot she believes was stolen

Friday morning.

Madonna LaPell is looking for Alex, a crippled African Gray who

celebrated his 14th birthday last month. The bird was reportedly stolen

from LaPell’s aviary on Princeton Drive.

Alex’s injuries were caused by his mother, who chewed off the tips of

his wings as well as his toes when he was born, LaPell said.

Congo African Grays don’t come cheap. The gray and white birds with

bright red tails sell for about $1,000 a bird.

“But Alex was not for sale,” she said. “He has been my pet since the

day he was born.”

LaPell noticed that Alex’s cage, placed in her laundry room, was empty

about 9:30 a.m. Friday, she said.

“I saw the hospital gown I wear when I usually feed the birds was

draped on top of his cage,” she said. “And I never cover his cage.”

Alex has “wandered off” in the past, but had always responded to her

call with a sharp whistle, LaPell said. This time, he didn’t respond.

“We looked for him all day yesterday,” she said. “I’m still in shock.”

Alex was a talking bird and could speak certain words and phrases such

as “hi” or “hello” or “I love you.”

LaPell has put out a $100 reward for anybody who brings back the bird.

“No questions will be asked,” she said. “I just want him back. He has

a very special place in my heart.”

LaPell can be reached at (714)540-0220.