Missing zoo macaw ‘Fern’ found 30 miles away after Van catches fire during rescue
A green macaw that went missing from Wild Zoological Park in Stourbridge has been found 30 miles away in Shropshire following a public appeal.
Fern, one of the zoo’s free-flying macaws, did not return after an overnight flight earlier this week. The bird has a large red patch above its beak and is blind in one eye.
She was spotted in Shropshire and recovered in Craven Arms, about 48.3 km from the zoo.
Owner Zachary Hollinshead thanked head keeper staff for “hours into her safe recovery” and credited a couple who helped when his van “burst into flames” on the way to collect Fern. The couple’s last name was Parrot.
“Fern is now back with her sister here at Wild Zoological Park,” Hollinshead said. She will have “a few days to chill out” before returning to displays.
Hollinshead told the BBC that Fern was likely carried off course by thermals linked to warm weather. He said Fern and her sister Willow often visit Claverley and surrounding areas during flights.
