Employee accused of stealing beloved parrot from Louisiana nature preserve

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A white-bellied caique parrot named Mango is back at Magnolia Wilds after being stolen during a break-in on Saturday, according to Executive Director Hunter Hullett.

The East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office (EFPSO) confirmed that Mango was taken in what appeared to be a targeted theft at the nature preserve.

Hullett said Mango was the only thing taken during the break-in. Investigators determined that the suspect removed a gate and accessed the unlocked sanctuary.

The sheriff’s office launched an investigation and located Mango on Monday.

“When Mango was found, he was extremely thirsty and hungry, indicating he had not been properly cared for during his disappearance,” Hullett said.

EFPSO confirmed that an employee at Magnolia Wilds was arrested in connection with the theft.

Shelby Alford, 29, of Denham Springs, was arrested by the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office on Denham Road. She was booked as a fugitive and will be transported to East Feliciana Parish, where she faces charges of simple burglary and theft over $1,000.

Hullett described Mango as a beloved member of the Magnolia Wilds family who frequently visits elementary schools to educate students about parrots and conservation efforts.

Authorities have not yet released additional details about the motive behind the theft. The investigation remains ongoing.

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