TAMPA, Fla. — A Tampa family has been searching the skies around the bay for their 15-year-old beloved African Grey parrot, Jengo.
Kirsten and Jason Cunningham placed signs throughout the area because the rare bird does not have clipped wings and is fully flighted. Kirsten has had Jengo for eight years, family friend Matthew Pimentel told 10News.
Jengo was last seen just after midnight on March 6 at the intersection of West Villa Rosa Street and South Mound Avenue in Tampa, Pimentel says.
Jengo's tail feathers are bright red, and he has an ID band on his right leg.
A Nextdoor post from Jason says a significant reward of $3,000 is being offered for his safe return or a tip that could lead to his rescue. Jason says the family has even hired a pet detective to advise them.
"This parrot is dearly loved," the post includes. "If you encounter Jengo, ask him to step up."
Jengo loves to say his name, according to Jason, along with "come on," "come here," "step up," "whatcha doin," and "I love you."
He can also meow, bark, cough and sneeze.
"Usually, the African grey parrot will stay within a 5-mile radius of where they got out. These birds that are kept in cages are not able to fly long distances because they are not conditioned to do that like wild birds are," Pimentel said.
Pimentel adds that Jengo may be eating leaves, bark, berries, or even small bugs and lizards while he continues to fend for himself. He suggests he might also be seen near a bird feeder.
There have been possible reported sightings of Jengo near Bayshore Boulevard, Ballast Point, South MacDill Avenue, South Dale Mabry and West Gandy Boulevard.
If you're reluctant to capture him since he may be flighty, Pimentel suggests calling or snapping a photo and sending it to 813-508-1736. Pimentel works with Kirsten, who he says will be out of the country until April 14.
"Anything to get our sweet Jengo bird back," Jason wrote in the Nextdoor post. "Please help us however you can!"
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