- Species: African Grey - Congo (See species list for details)
- Location: Mineola, N.Y., New York, United States 11501
- Date Lost: December 27, 2015
- Banded: Yes
- Microchipped: No
Name: Chelly Band : B O A – – – REWARD $ 6000 FOR HIS RETURN
Chelly is male and I raised him from a hatchling. His hatch date is 1/8/2002. He’s now 15 yrs old. I believe he loved me more than any other creature in my life, and that includes my wife, kids or anyone else I know. We were “bonded”. He was on my shoulder constantly. When I returned home after work would enthusiastically shout my name “Gene”. At Christmas time he would whistle half a dozen holiday melodies. If said “Sleigh Ride” to him, he’d perform the tune with a hoof clopping start! He talked a lot and it was all about communicating. Appropriate use of phrases like “come back”, ” give me a kiss” “,I love you”.” Merry Christmas” instead of the usual ” good morning” during the season. I could go on with a hundred examples of his extraordinary communication abilities.
I placed ads in in NEWSDAY offering a $6000 Reward– color photo and all. A few weeks after he flew away I was contacted by “Frank” who said he didn’t have my bird but his friend found him and took him home to Jackson Hts. This fellow’s wife wouldn’t give the bird up despite my reward of then $2000!
Months went by with several further contacts from “Frank”. About 6months ago he called me for the last time, telling me this woman was moving to Falls Church Va. with Chelly. I had a cell phone number that he used but his phone service was always problematical. Mostly there wasn’t any service Frank told me he worked in “demolition” , was well paid, and was not interested in the reward. The night before the woman left for Falls Church he thought that if he showed up at her door with$2000 of his own cash he might get her to give Chelly up. I told Frank I would repay him but not to do it unless he had leg band verification. He thought the bird did not have a leg band any longer, but was sure as I am that the bird was in fact Chelly.
If I could get a hold of Frank, I believe he can still contact this woman. She is, or was married to his friend. I believe if this lead were followed I could find the woman. I’ll travel to Falls Church with $6000 in cash or Certified check Frank’s last known phone numbers were (201) 250-7902 and (201) 421-4375.
His last name is Federici. The 201 area code does not necessarily mean he lives in New Jersey. He could live on Long Island.
If anybody knows of a woman who’s in possession of an African grey that lives in Falls Church and came from Jackson Hts. She might at this point in her life need $6000. She might gotten bored with Chelly. Maybe something can be done. I’m heartbroken and I know Chelly is too! Please help.