Pet macaw stolen from Orlando home

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - An Orlando woman said someone stole her 8-year-old macaw right from her fenced in backyard, and she hopes someone will return it.

"They slipped into my backyard, and went on to my back screened-in patio, where 'Fred' was on his play stand," said Kellie Garrett.  "It's just scary to know that someone can come that close from entering inside your residence, and has the audacity to come take something you love so much."

Garrett said "Fred" disappeared on Saturday from her Leslyn Court home. Now, Orange County deputies are looking for the thief.

"I put posters all around the neighborhood, and someone ripped them down, and I put them up that very same day and even expanded my search."

It's been an emotional loss for Garrett, adding that "Fred" is her best friend.

"I'm drained. I'm exhausted. I look for him everyday."

She said he stands out from the rest and believes someone has seen him.

"'Fred' has a broken beak, and on his right foot, he's missing a toe. He calls me 'Mom.' When he's feeling anxiety or a lot of commotion of children playing, he'll start screaming 'Mom! Mom! Mom!'  Those are special little things that have got to do with 'Fred.'"

All around the country, experts say there's been cases of exotic birds being stolen, because many are worth thousands of dollars.

"They're very expensive birds," Garrett explains, but sh ecalled "Fred" priceless and said she misses him dearly. "I would love to have Fred home with us for the holidays."

If you know where Fred is call the Orange County Sheriff's Office.