Rare parrot flies the coop in Lewisville… again

A bird owner in North Texas spent much of Sunday and Monday attempting to retrieve his beloved pet macaw, which had flown away during a photoshoot at Lewisville Lake. Giulio Ferrari is now seeking assistance in rescuing his 15-year-old Catalina Macaw named Samba.

Ferrari described feeling heartbroken, comparing the situation to having a child stuck atop a tree. Samba was startled by a sudden gust of wind on Sunday afternoon and took flight, leaving Ferrari scrambling to lure him back.

Despite his efforts, which lasted until late into the night, Samba remained perched in the tree, squawking to alert his owner of his presence. Ferrari left a flashlight, water, and a note at the base of the tree, seeking help from passersby.

The following morning, Samba was still in the tree, prompting Ferrari’s return. Concerned citizens, including Mohammad Jilani, stopped to offer assistance, recognizing Samba’s distress.

Ferrari explained that Samba’s clipped wing limits his ability to fly long distances, confining him to a relatively small radius. Attempts to coax him down to a nearby tree were unsuccessful.

Despite efforts from the Lewisville Fire Department using a ladder and fire truck bucket, Samba continued to evade capture. Later in the evening, he survived an attack by several hawks.

Reflecting on past escapes, Ferrari recalled a similar incident in 2012 when Samba was spooked by fireworks. Eventually, a construction company with a cherry picker helped rescue him.

Now, Ferrari is hopeful that a donated cherry picker or boom lift could once again provide a solution. He emphasized the need for an all-terrain machine capable of navigating the shoreline terrain.

As of Monday night, Samba remains stranded in the tree, but Ferrari remains determined to reunite with his cherished pet.