Caption for picture: Truman, a Cape Parrot, went missing in Brooklyn Monday.
Credit: Courtesy of Michael Sazhin
A green parrot with a devoted internet following who has been backstage on “America’s Got Talent” has gone missing in Brooklyn and his owner is offering a $1,000 reward for his safe return.
Michael Sazhin said his parrot, named Truman, flew away from him around 11 a.m. Monday during a trip to the park near 16th Avenue and 75th Street in Bensonhurst.
“I usually take him to fly at the park and it just wasn’t his day,” said Sazhin, a bird trainer who has three parrots, including Kili, a Senegal parrot who has appeared on several TV shows.
Since he was last seen flying down 16th Avenue, Sazhin has been desperately trying to find Truman, who he said has never flown off before.
Truman is small with a disproportionately large beak, short tail and orange trim under his wings and above his feet. He was last seen flying down 16th Avenue.
While Truman is friendly, Sazhin said the parrot can’t survive in the wild alone for more than just a few days.
“It’s not unlikely that he might spot someone and land on their shoulder,” Sazhin said. “He might just start saying, ‘Hey cutie.'”
Sazhin asked those who think they’ve spotted Truman to call him at 917-318-6394. Don’t do anything that could scare Truman, Sazhin said. But the parrot can be cuddled or scratched.
“If he happens to be at arms reach, you can pick him up,” he said. “Just keep your eyes on him.”
He was named Truman because of the series of videos Sazhin made on the parrot’s training and upbringing, which reminded him of “The Truman Show” starring Jim Carrey.
Sazhin partially blames himself for Truman’s disappearance. He has been searching the nearby area by himself for the last day.
“I’m afraid I might be walking the wrong place and the city is so big,” he said.
Hoping Truman might hear her voice over Sazhin’s own calls, Kili was brought along on the search.
Sazhin has written a book on parrot training and has performed with his birds on the “Late Show with David Letterman” and “America’s Got Talent,” among other shows. Kili is usually the star, however, and Truman just hangs out backstage.
“Unfortunately this is the biggest publicity he’s had,” Sazhin said of Truman’s disappearance.
Anyone who thinks they’ve spotted Truman or might be able to help in the search is asked to email or call Sazhin at (917) 318-6394.
