Stolen toucan heads to $1 reserve auction
The ‘‘world famous’’ Guinness toucan that was stolen from an earthquake-prone building in broad daylight has shown up on Trade Me.
The bird, which was once mounted to the side of the former Molly Malones building in Wellington, is being auctioned by its rightful owners after the hi-visclad thief returned it last Friday just two days after taking it.
Now, because of the bird’s newfound fame, the building’s owner, Cornerstone Partners, has decided to sell it.
Cornerstone chief executive Andrew Cotterrell said the Trade Me sale was ‘‘an enjoyable and exciting end to the toucan bird theft saga’’.
The company wanted to follow through on its promise to auction the stolen toucan bird and donate proceeds to charity, Cotterrell said.
Trade Me waived fees to list the bird, and proceeds from the auction would go to the Stroke Foundation New Zealand, he said.
Trade Me spokesman Logan Mudge said it was great to see the Guinness toucan had found its way home.
‘‘We think our members will flock to this listing,’’ Mudge said.
‘‘It’s a piece of Wellington history and there will be plenty of nostalgic Wellingtonians interested in snapping it up. We’re sure this will find a great new home in someone’s man cave, bach or living room.’’
The toucan was listed on Trade Me with a $1 reserve yesterday evening, and by 7.30pm bidding had reached the $505 mark, with more than 700 page views.
The listing reads: ‘‘The world famous in Wellington ‘Molly Malones’ toucan bird.
‘‘This bird decided to fly away last Wednesday only to return safely on Friday morning.
‘‘Cornerstone Partners are proud to auction this toucan bird and give all the money raised to Stroke Foundation New Zealand.
‘‘This is a fantastic opportunity for you to own a piece of Wellington history.’’
Stroke Foundation chief executive Mark Vivian said his organisation was ’’incredibly grateful’’ to Cotterrell for donating the proceeds of the sale.
‘‘In fact, we’d be happy to shout him a Guinness,’’ he said.
‘‘Like many people, we followed the toucan theft story with interest, and are happy the burgled bird was returned, and will now wing his way to a new home.
‘‘We can assure the lucky new owner the proceeds from their purchase will help stroke survivors get back on their feet.’’