San José's Emma Prusch Farm Park became the scene of brazen animal thefts. According to a social media post by the San José Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, a baby female turkey named Megara was stolen on Sunday at approximately 1:30 PM. The same evening, the park's chicken coop was broken into, resulting in the theft of five chickens and the death of another. While the connection between the two incidents remains unclear, the nature of the crimes suggests a possible link.
The theft was captured by surveillance video, which shows a man scaling the barn fence and removing the turkey from an enclosure housing multiple fowl. "It was just utter shock. It's hard to see and watch the video and know, knowing the animals that we care for and being connected directly to those animals," Arlinda Duffy, park supervisor, told KTVU. The park received the turkey named Megara and her brother Mooney last April. Both were cared for since they were a week old by the park's preschool team and kids.
The San Jose Police Department is looking into the thefts, and despite the footage of the suspect, his identity remains a mystery. Efforts are being made to enhance park security, as noted by the new bolts installed on the coop. For the time being, in response to the incident, the barn at Emma Prusch Farm Park has been temporarily closed to ensure the safety of remaining animals and visitors alike.
Anyone with details about the thefts or who may recognize the individual in the video is encouraged to call SJPD’s non-emergency line at 408-277-8900, referencing case # 25 223 0278.
