Parrots missing from London zoo found behind Cambridgeshire garden

London zoo‘s “critically endangered” missing parrots have been found 60 miles away behind a family’s garden in Cambridgeshire.

The escaped birds were tracked down after numerous sightings from local residents, and were eventually found in the back garden of a family in Buckden. They flew away once more before being traced to a field and public footpath in nearby Brampton.

Once the zookeepers came to collect the parrots, they reportedly flew into the keeper’s arms and were given treats such as pumpkin seeds, walnuts and pecans.

The two parrots, named Lily and Margot, did not return to their enclosure on 21 October after their usual routine of flying freely, and were subsequently missing for six days until zookeepers were able to track down the missing blue-throated macaws in Cambridgeshire.

The parrots are believed to be in quarantine at London zoo, and are due to return back with their parents who are also at the zoo once their quarantine period is finished.

The zoo launched a public appeal to find the two parrots who are both aged two. In this appeal, Lily and Margot are part of what has been described as a critically endangered species.

Previous to this incident, Lily and Margot would take minor detours when flying around the zoo to explore the trees but this was the first time that they had completely disappeared for as long as six days.

In the appeal, London zoo urged people to be on the lookout for the parrots, which they described as between two and three feet tall and relatively easy to spot due to their bright blue and yellow plumage.

Alongside their distinctive plumage, the parrots have a long tail and make a very loud squawk. This particular species originates in South America.

London zoo is home to a vast array of more than 10,000 animals.

The zoo has been approached for comment.

This article by Mimi Ibrahim was first published by The Guardian on 28 October 2024. Lead Image: Lily and Margot went missing from London zoo on 21 October after flying freely as part of their daily routine. Photograph: ZSL.

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