Baby bird taken from New Jersey pet shop found safe, suspect charged

BURLINGTON COUNTY, N.J. - A baby parrot stolen from a New Jersey pet shop was recovered safely on Thursday at the home of a suspect accused of taking it, police said.

Manuel Robel, 39, was taken into custody at his Penns Grove residence and charged with third-degree shoplifting. He was later released.

Authorities allege Robel stole a Pineapple Green Cheek Conure from Todd Marcus Birds Exotic in Delran on Saturday. 

A Pineapple Green Cheek Conure was taken from a Delran pet shop.

Police shared surveillance video of the suspect, believed to be Robel, remove the small bird from its cage and sneakily walk around the store. 

Employees from a pet shop in Penns Grove saw the surveillance video and recognized the man as a customer, leading police to his home where they say the bird was found.

"Thankfully the bird looks great, the guy must have known something right to do with him," Manager Zac Marcus said.

The bird has an adopted family that has been visiting while it's being weened off a special diet.