The Dehiwala Police have launched an investigation into the theft of a rare Blue-and-Yellow Macaw, valued at over Rs. 500,000, from the National Zoological Gardens in Dehiwala.
The theft is believed to have taken place on the night of June 4, with CCTV footage from a nearby shop reportedly capturing a suspect near the zoo premises.
Zoo officials stated that the stolen bird was one of 30 Blue-and-Yellow Macaws housed in a specially designated enclosure. The incident came to light during the zookeeper’s morning inspection, when he noticed the cage’s lock had been tampered with and immediately informed senior zoo authorities.
A headcount confirmed that one bird was missing, prompting the zoo administration to file an official complaint with the Dehiwala Police through the zoo’s security division.
This is not the first time such a theft has occurred. In August 2021, another Macaw from the same enclosure was stolen and later found at a residence in Ratmalana.
Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage and zoo records to identify the suspect and recover the stolen bird.
