LODI, N.J. (1010 WINS) — A New Jersey pet store is offering a cash reward for information that will help them catch three thieves caught on surveillance video stealing exotic birds.
On Saturday, the three birdnappers walked into New Jersey Exotic Pets in Lodi and opened a bird cage with two baby white belly caiques’ inside, took them out and put them in a bag.
Store employees are worried because the birds are still babies and require hand feedings with special formula along with other specialized care.
“I have been personally hand raising these two babies since they were 3 weeks old, I am sick to my stomach with worry and fear of my little babies well-being and health!” one employee, Tiffany Galluzzo wrote in a Facebook post. “This theft happened in all of MINUTES and off they went. I can only imagine how scared stressed and hungry they are ! please help us find these helpless babies!!!”
The birds, which are a type of parrot, usually go for upwards of $3,400 but may be sold on the black market for as little as $500.
After snatching the baby birds, the trio left the store in a black Acura with the New York license plate number of UXH9331.
An investigation is also underway by the Lodi Police Department.
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