2009 February

THE owners of a rare African parrot that went missing during last week’s heavy snowfall have pleaded for his safe return.

Harry, a 12-inch grey parrot, has not been seen since he flew away from his roost on the arm of one of his ‘parents’.

Sonja Botha was walking home with partner James Ferraby on Oak Tree Drive in Bellfields, Guildford when she slipped on some ice.

The trip startled the three-year-old bird and caused him to fly away from the scene and into the distance last Wednesday.

“He is like a soulmate to us, like part of the family and we just completely panicked when it happened,” Mr Ferraby said.

“We just ran after him found him in a tree so we climbed up it but then one of the branches broke off and he got a fright and flew off again.”

Harry, who has distinct red feathers down his back, yellow eyes, and grey claws, was also well known in the area.

He would join Mr Ferraby and Ms Botha on their walks to and from work at the ActiveZone gym in Guildford College.

“Harry usually comes and sits at work and everybody comes up and talks to him,” Mr Ferraby added.

“He’s got loads of regular phrases which he uses like ‘hello’, ‘I’m a monster’ and ‘soccer’. He likes to whistle a lot and sings and makes noises.”

Parrots have a life expectancy of 60 years, and the couple has had their pet since he was born.

Ms Botha said she was devastated when Harry flew away and has not stopped searching for him.

“It hasn’t been the same since he flew off and we’ve missed him a lot since he went,” she added.

“He talks a lot and he’s around us a lot so we’ve kept everything the same as it was for him.”

An RSPCA spokesman said anybody who found Harry should alert them as soon as possible.

“The key thing is also that people should tell local vets so owners can be reunited with their animal,” she said.

“We keep lists of lost and found animals which we attempt to match up when finders call us.”

Anybody with information should call James Ferraby on 07707 953 520.