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Cockatiels Escape in Manatee County

Incident Date:
08/08/2026
Location:
Manatee County, FL - USA
Facility Name:
Facility Type:
Exotic Pet (E)
Incident Category:
Escape of animal (EA)
Species:
Other
Animal:
Cockatiel
Animal disposition:
Recaptured

Summary:

MANATEE COUNTY, FL – A routine marine patrol turned into an unexpected rescue mission after a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy discovered a lost pet cockatiel at the Marine Unit dock.

Deputy McBride spotted the bird while launching a patrol boat for a routine patrol. After doing some research, the Marine Unit was able to identify the cockatiel and track down the owner. The bird, named Kiwi, went missing on August 5 along with another cockatiel named Kaiju.

The birds escaped through an open door near 67th Street West and Manatee Avenue West shortly before an afternoon thunderstorm. Investigators believe strong winds may have carried Kiwi about five miles west, where she eventually found shelter at the Marine Unit dock. Kiwi has since been returned to her owner.

However, the search continues for Kaiju, who is pictured on the right in the missing-pet report. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is asking people in the Bradenton Beach area to keep an eye out for Kaiju.

Action take by Born Free USA:

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