In a joint operation by Border Police detectives from the North District, inspectors from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, and the Samaria and Judea District Police, four rare and valuable parrots were returned to their owners after being stolen from the “Jungle Fun” compound in northern Israel. The parrots, valued at approximately 250,000 shekels, were located over the weekend in the Tulkarem area in Judea and Samaria. At the same time, a theft ring was apprehended in the village of Hableh, under the jurisdiction of the Ephraim Regional Brigade.
Endangered parrots
About three weeks ago, a major break-in occurred at the Jungle Fun compound in Kibbutz Beit Zera. During the break-in, seven rare parrots were stolen, including a hybrid macaw, a scarlet macaw, and a green-winged macaw. The theft was assessed to have caused significant financial damage and endangered animals already at high risk of extinction.
The scarlet macaw (Ara macao) is a large, colorful South American parrot known for its vibrant red, yellow, and blue plumage. It is native from eastern Panama northward through Central America to Mexico, and southward from southeastern Colombia through Brazil and Bolivia. The scarlet macaw inhabits a variety of environments, from rainforests and wooded savannahs to dry and mountainous regions. In recent years, it has disappeared from much of its range, especially in Central America, due to habitat destruction, illegal hunting, and capture for the wildlife trade.
Chase in the heart of Judea and Samaria
Immediately after the break-in, the police launched an investigation. A significant breakthrough over the weekend led forces to the location of the parrots in Tulkarem. The coordinated operation enabled the safe return of four parrots.
Teams from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority examined the parrots’ health, and they were transferred for continued care. The police are still investigating and working to locate the remaining parrots that have not yet been found.
