Mystery as Florida Zoo Animal Suddenly Missing

A lorikeet living at the Palm Beach Zoo has gone missing, prompting a police investigation as zoo employees believe that the bird was stolen.

A lorikeet is a type of colorful parrot. The bird named Catherine went missing last week and is valued at about $500, according to WPEC in West Palm Beach, Florida. Employees at the West Palm Beach zoo conduct a bird count every day and all lorikeets were in their enclosure, known as Lorikeet Loft, on April 23, but Catherine was missing the next day, according to the report.

After noting that there were no holes in the enclosure, and that the bird wasn't hiding and hadn't died, a statement from the zoo announced that they believe Catherine was stolen. When reached for comment, a zoo spokesperson directed Newsweek to the zoo's statement on the matter.

"Unfortunately, we have the sad news that one of our parrots, a lorikeet named Catherine, is missing. After an extensive, internal investigation, we believe Catherine may have been taken from our Lorikeet Loft. We notified the police in hopes that our bird will be found and returned," the statement said.

The West Palm Beach Police Department is investigating the case as larceny, WPEC reported. Florida law considers theft of a zoo animal a felony.

The zoo's statement said that it uses "new technology and enhanced expertise to implement safety measures across the Zoo" to ensure the safety of its guests and animals. There is 24/7 security on the property in addition to security cameras, the statement said. Also, zoo employees are stationed in the Lorikeet Loft throughout the time it is open to guests.

Guests are able to enter Lorikeet Loft and purchase a small cup of nectar to feed the lorikeets as they land on the guests' arms, hands and shoulders to drink the nectar.

"Lorikeet Loft is an enclosed aviary and home to dozens of happy lorikeets," a webpageabout the enclosure says. "Lorikeets are some of the most colorful members of the parrot family. They are native to the islands of the South Pacific and Australia. Their favorite treats include flowers, pollen and nectar. Their beak and agile, four-toed feet make it easy for them to hang upside down and access the hardest to reach flowers."

The zoo expressed that nectar makes up the lorikeets' unusual diet, and that specific food is imperative for the bird's survival.

"It's important to know that the Zoo's aviary, Lorikeet Loft, is a specially designed habitat for our parrots," the statement said. "Lorikeets live in pairs, mate for life, and thrive when living in flocks. These birds have an unusual diet comprised of pollen, nectar, and a variety of fruit. Our animal commissary provides this and more, making sure they have specific nutrients to thrive. This food is imperative for the bird's survival.

"We are hopeful for the safe return of Catherine to the flock."