Tears over lost mate
A DEVASTATED Townsville couple has put up big reward money to anyone who finds their missing bird.
Ollie, a bright green eclectus parrot, broke out of his cage on Thursday afternoon leaving his owners Michelle and Chris Bowman completely heartbroken.
Mrs Bowman said they had already spent upwards of $1000 on their effort to find Ollie and they would do whatever they could to get him back, which is why they’ve now added a $500 reward to anyone who finds him.
She said Ollie helped them find joy in life despite both suffering mental and physical injuries caused by their former jobs as a prison officer and train driver in Victoria.
“There’s so many trees in Mundingburra is the thing, we’ve walked miles and put up posters on all the community boards,” Mrs Bowman said.
“I can’t believe it because it’s the first time he’s ever got out or been out of eyesight and I’ve never cried so much in all my life.
“He can’t really fend for himself because he’s never been an outside bird. He freezes if it’s below 22 degrees and we have to put a heater on otherwise he sits there shaking.”
Not ready to consider the alternative, Mrs Bowman said she desperately hoped Ollie would be found alive and well.
“He’s the only sunshine in our lives because he makes us laugh,” she said.
“He was about six-and-ahalf months when we got him and he couldn’t talk at that stage. Now he has full-scale conversations and laughs on cue to our jokes or what’s happening on television.
“He’s incredibly intelligent and our world revolves around him.”
Ollie is described as bright emerald green with red under his wings and pale blue shoulders.
Mrs Bowman said anyone with information was asked to call 0400 223 421.