Tazzie Lee, a black-and-white cat, went missing from her carrier nearly a month ago during the holiday period at John F. Kennedy Airport, leading to an ongoing search. Her owner, Ellen Russell of Flushing, Queens, has been visiting the airport three to four times per week with cat treats in an attempt to find her.
According to ABC7NY, the incident took place on Dec. 20 when Russell was returning home following a flight cancellation. Tazzie Lee escaped by unzipping her carrier and running away in the busy Terminal 4. Since then, Russell has been searching the airport with the help of Port Authority police and other volunteers.
The New York Post reported that Russell is preparing to move at the end of the month, which has increased the urgency of locating Tazzie Lee, a member of her household. Following the cat’s escape, efforts to find her have intensified. Cat trapper John Debacker has set up traps and cameras throughout the airport, as Tazzie Lee is believed to be avoiding people and may be hiding on the tarmac. The traps have also captured other stray cats, which Russell has shared online to help reunite them with their owners.
Russell’s other cat, Curious, has been affected by Tazzie Lee’s absence, as the two usually sleep together each night. The Port Authority is looking into ways to assist with the search, although airport regulations, including restrictions on drone flights, present challenges. Russell has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to Tazzie Lee’s safe return and is considering having local students help distribute flyers.
