In Saddle Brook, a small shop brimmed with vibrant feathers and echoes of exotic calls. Birds by Joe 2, a family-owned haven for avian enthusiasts, held treasures of every hue, but none as prized as the African grey parrot—a marvel of intelligence and mimicry. Valued at $7,000, this singular bird became the center of a puzzling theft that has left the community grasping for answers.
The scene unfolded on a damp Thursday afternoon along Route 46 East. The store’s rhythm of chirps and chatter was interrupted by the arrival of a man clad in a dark Nike hoodie. He spoke with confidence, inquiring about the bird as if he were an aficionado. The staff, seasoned in the art of matching parrots with loving homes, saw no reason for suspicion.
The clerk, eager to assist, prepared the parrot in a small display cage. The man asked all the right questions—about diet, care, and cage requirements—displaying a familiarity that set even seasoned employees at ease. But as the clerk zipped the carrier shut and turned to complete the paperwork, the man’s demeanor shifted. In one swift motion, he grabbed the cage and bolted toward the parking lot.
Katarina Rukavishnikova, the shop’s owner, darted after him. The store’s surveillance footage captured her pursuit—a blur of determination chasing a shadow into the rainy afternoon. She stopped short as the thief disappeared into the distance, leaving only the echo of her footsteps and a sense of disbelief.
“I have 50 birds,” Rukavishnikova said later, her voice heavy with frustration. “He chose the most expensive one.” The African grey wasn’t just another bird in her collection; it was a living masterpiece, capable of mimicking human speech with uncanny accuracy. Known for their intelligence, these parrots can live over 50 years with proper care, forging lifelong bonds with their owners.
This particular bird had already begun to develop its personality—squawking, whistling, and imitating sounds that could make even the most skeptical smile. Its absence left more than an empty cage; it left a void in the shop’s vibrant ecosystem.
The theft has stirred Saddle Brook, with locals rallying to aid the shop in its time of need. Police are calling on the public to provide any leads. Detectives are reviewing the footage, piecing together the puzzle of the man’s escape route and his motivations.
The African grey’s value isn’t just in its price tag; it represents years of dedication by the shop to nurture these magnificent creatures. Each bird raised at Birds by Joe 2 is hand-fed, a labor of love that makes their loss deeply personal.
As the investigation unfolds, Rukavishnikova has one message: “We just want the parrot back.” She hopes the community’s vigilance will lead to the bird’s safe return, a reunion with the life it was meant to have—not as a commodity, but as a cherished companion.
For now, the cage stands empty, a silent reminder of what was taken. But the echoes of Saddle Brook’s community spirit remain, proving that even in loss, there’s strength in coming together.
Dan is a contributor at New Jersey Digest, a software developer, and a dedicated jiu-jitsu practitioner with a passion for great food. A Bergen County native, he’s always seeking out new challenges—whether in coding, on the mats, or discovering the Garden State's hidden mysteries. When he’s not immersed in his work, you’ll find him training, exploring local restaurants, or unwinding with a round of golf.
