The owner of a pining grey African parrot whose boyfriend disappeared is appealing for help in finding her a new love.
Algis Arkeys’ bird Cona went missing when she went searching for her partner Bongi – who flew away during a storm two months ago.
Cona was found 10km from her home in Navan, Co Meath, but she is still heartbroken over her lost love.
Algis, who lives in Macetown, believes the seven-year-old tame pet went searching for her three-year old partner.
He said Cona has been pining for him by pecking her feathers and laying unfertilised eggs.
Rare parrot found on a Dublin Airport runway reunited with her owner
The bird had been missing for more than a day when she was spotted sitting on the bonnet of Darren Gorman’s car at his home in Johnstown last Tuesday.
Mr Gorman said: “The kids were playing outside and saw a parrot had landed on my car. I think she got a bit spooked by all the attention and flew into a neighbour’s house when he came out to see what was going on.
“We managed to wrap her up in a blanket and I had an empty cage to put her in.
“I contacted gardai and the Last Hope Animal sanctuary who supplied a proper cage and some food for her and I also put up a post on social media.
"Amazingly, I had a few calls from people saying she was their bird but then Algis arrived at our home after his landlord saw the post and contacted him.
Authorities looking for owner of rare African Grey parrot found on Dublin Aiport runway
“The minute Cona heard his voice she got excited and when she hopped straight on to his finger, on to his shoulder and then started kissing him, I had no doubt he was the right owner.”
Algis, who works as an articulated truck driver added: “They are very clever birds. They can learn up to 200 human words but it was Bongi that did all the talking.
"I have a big room in my house where they live but I live in a quiet area so I normally let them fly around my house during the day.
Urgent appeal for sick puppy who needs life saving surgery
“But the last storm a few months ago must have scared Bongi away and despite appeals, we haven’t found him.
“She [Cona] has been really pining for her partner since he went missing and pecking constantly at her feathers.
“She’s also started laying empty eggs so I think she flew off trying to find him.
“She had to fly across the M3 to get to Johnstown so I really am very indebted to Darren for managing to keep her safe and helping me track her down.”
He joked: “I think Cona is looking for another partner so if anyone out there knows of a grey African parrot who needs a good home, please let me know.”
