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Rescue group in Las Vegas tries to catch a toucan that escaped its cage
Summary
A Las Vegas rescue group has been trying to capture Sam, a toucan that escaped from his cage in November and has been seen around the Los Prados neighborhood; rescuers report he now shows signs of poor condition and say they will take him to a veterinarian if he is caught.
Content
Rescue volunteers in Las Vegas have spent months searching for Sam, a toucan that escaped from its cage in November and has been repeatedly seen in the Los Prados neighborhood. The bird's presence has drawn attention from local birding groups and neighbors who have posted sightings online. Rescuers say the desert climate and seasonal temperature swings are not suitable for a tropical bird and that Sam appears to be weakening. Capture attempts have been hampered because Sam often perches high in palm trees and becomes skittish when people approach.
Known details:
- Sam was reported to have escaped from his cage in November and has been seen intermittently in the Los Prados area.
- SouthWest Exotic Avian Rescue has searched for the toucan, set a cage with food, and says Sam inspects the trap but is spooked by people.
- Rescuers report physical signs of decline, including sunken eyes and discoloration around the bill, and say Sam has been eating citrus, which can be harmful to toucans.
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas biologist Donald Price is reported as saying Las Vegas' hot summers and cold winters are not suitable for toucans and that the bird would need extra food to maintain body temperature.
- The rescue group says it has not been in contact with the bird's owner and that, if captured, Sam will be taken to a veterinarian for fluids and treatment to remove excess iron from his system.
Summary:
Sam's prolonged presence in a suburban Las Vegas neighborhood has led to sustained rescue efforts amid concern for his health. Rescuers report he appears weakened and plan to transport him to a veterinarian for fluids and treatment if they succeed in capturing him; ongoing capture attempts continue.
