It’s a story which has a Ventura County community all aflutter.
Someone stole a cockatoo named Julie from a bird sanctuary in Santa Paula. The Umbrella Cockatoo was at the Steckel Park Bird Aviary. It’s a facility that’s been home to exotic birds from around the world, as well as more commonplace types.
Caretakers discovered the bird was missing January 4th. They notified County Sheriff’s deputies, and posted it on social media.
Detectives say a tip led them to Michael Wear of Santa Paula. They say they confirmed he had stolen the bird, which was being held by a friend of his. Julie was rescued, and reunited with her caretakers. The 35-year-old man was arrested on a grand theft charge, as well one count of grand theft of domestic fowl.
