Community efforts in Concord have paid off, with one of the two stolen exotic birds from Feathered Follies pet shop now safely back home. The shop, devastated by a theft that saw its avian family members Tofu and Plato taken, has shared an update, celebrating Tofu's return while still mourning Plato's absence. "Our boy is now home with his loving family at Feathered Follies," the store posted on Instagram, thanking Concord City and Union City Police Departments for their commitment.
In earlier reports, two men, Edward Casey of San Jose, and Erick Stabile of Fremont, were identified and investigated in connection with the burglary. According to a post from Feathered Follies' social media, evidence including phone records, search history, and traffic cameras linked Casey to the crimes. The search for Plato continues, with a poignant plea for public vigilance especially in Fremont where Stabile, described as a transient, was last believed to have custody of the bird.
Tofu, an umbrella cockatoo adept at greetings like "Hi Tofu" and "I love you," and Plato, a quieter African red-belly parrot, were forcibly taken from their home. Hoodline reported Mercedes Kemp, the shop owner, expressing that the theft was likely motivated by the intent to sell Tofu, who carries significant value. The loss stirred the community, prompting a GoFundMe campaign to increase the reward for information leading to the birds' return. "They are loved members of their family," Hoodline states, reflecting the sentiment of the pet shop.
While Tofu's homecoming offers some solace, the story remains incomplete until Plato is found. To this end, Feathered Follies has kept its reward offer open, looking to reunite with their remaining feathered friend. The community, having witnessed the power of collective action, holds onto hope, and stands ready to support further police efforts to restore what has been fractured – the familial circle at a beloved local pet shop.
