Parrot captured after week of freedom in Vasa, Finland

A green parrot that escaped from its owner in Vasa, Finland, last Wednesday has been found and captured. The parrot, named Coucou, is now recovering at home after nearly a week of freedom. Coucou is a medium-sized parrot belonging to the parakeet family. The capture took place on Sunday, confirmed Anniina Honkala, who was involved in the rescue operation, assisted by the Helpparrot association, an organization dedicated to rescuing escaped and observed pet birds in nature.

The rescue operation garnered significant local interest, leading rescuers to urge enthusiastic onlookers to keep their distance from the wary bird. According to birdwatchers, capturing an escapee is quite challenging, making Coucou’s retrieval a remarkable success. Jonna Tahvanainen, president of Helpparrot, noted that their hotline receives daily reports of lost or sighted pet birds, including increasingly rare species. On any given day, the association is involved in one to four rescue operations, depending on the circumstances.

Most sightings come from individuals other than the birds’ owners. Captured birds are taken to shelters for care, where efforts are made to find them new homes. Tahvanainen encourages anyone who spots a lost bird to contact the association promptly, so that the situation can be assessed and guidance provided for capturing the bird safely. She emphasizes the need for proper equipment, as captured birds may bite.

During Coucou’s escape, several residents of the Kustaa and Kotiranta districts reported sightings. A food trap was set up under the tree where Coucou had been lingering, although the parrot managed to fly away before it could be captured. Additionally, recordings of its species’ calls were played in an attempt to lure it back. In some instances, captured birds take weeks to adjust to their homes or new environments, and they require care for injuries and parasites after their escape.