LEWISVILLE, Texas — A Texas man's rare and beloved pet bird was stuck high up in a tree near Lake Lewisville for three days before he was finally rescued.
The 15-year-old Catalina Macaw got spooked during a photoshoot on Sunday and flew into 40-foot tall trees.
The saga to rescue him included attempts by his owners, firefighters, and even tree climbers, all to no avail.
A North Texas reporter was there to report on the story when she became part of the rescue.
She had brought snacks... And luckily, the bird was very hungry. Perched high above, and in unfamiliar terrain.
"Come here, baby."
Samba spent three days ignoring food and derailing all rescue attempts.
But the Catalina Macaw couldn't resist these chips. "I don't usually give him junk food like this."
His owner, Giulio Ferrari, managed to lure him close enough to grab. It was hard to believe the nightmare was finally over.
"We did it! Three days! Aw! Here you go baby."
The 15-year-old bird was hungry and tired, but safe.
"I'm relieved," said Giulio Ferrari, the parrot's owner. "I haven't slept well in three days because its like your child. Your child is up stuck in a tree, and nobody can get him down. We tried with the fire department, we tried with tree climbers, and we tried food. Now he's eating ... now he's eating the whole bag."
"Yeah, its a special day," said Ferrari. "He can use the calories, and he's getting happy now."
The owner was taking him straight to the vet to get him checked out. He says the parrot was attacked by hawks while he was stuck up in the trees, but overall the bird seemed fine, and happy to be back with his owner.
Learn more about KENS 5:
Since going on the air in 1950, KENS 5 has strived to be the best, most trusted news and entertainment source for generations of San Antonians.
KENS 5 has brought numerous firsts to South Texas television, including being the first local station with a helicopter, the first with its own Doppler radar and the first to air a local morning news program.
Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers' homes. We're proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today.
Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community.
You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, KENS 5's Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more!
Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members.