Published September 8, 2025, 6:48 PM EDT
A Family’s Heartfelt Plea for Their Stolen parrot in Ybor City
YBOR CITY, Fla. – A family is desperately seeking the return of their beloved exotic parrot.
The atmosphere on Randi Mosley’s porch has turned somber.
“She would greet everyone passing by,” Mosley shared. “Her personality was larger than life.”
The Disappearance of Cleo
Cleo, a Congo African Grey parrot who had been part of the family for over a decade, has been missing since she was taken from her cage more than three weeks ago.
A Mother’s Grief and Anger
“There may be an emotional attachment to items within a home, but stealing someone’s pet is simply cruel,” Mosley expressed with deep sorrow.
h4>The Timeline of Events
On August 16th at approximately 8:30 PM, surveillance footage recorded an individual approaching Mosley’s residence on East 24th Avenue in Ybor City.Later that evening at around 10:30 PM, the same person returned after receiving a phone call. Just five minutes later, another man appeared wearing gloves and a ski mask.
The video feed abruptly ended; however, according to Mosley’s account, the suspects seized Cleo and fled in a dark-colored Honda SUV.
An Prospect Crime?
Mosley reported that law enforcement indicated this incident appeared to be opportunistic. She suspects that the thieves might have taken Cleo with plans to sell her quickly for cash due to her high value as an exotic pet.
A Glimmer of Hope?
Mosley reached out to several local pet shops and learned from one owner that two men attempted to sell him Cleo but he declined because she had an injured wing. This detail aligns with what Mosley knows about her beloved bird’s condition. She promptly relayed this information to the authorities as well.
A Call for Help
After distributing nearly 100 ‘MISSING’ flyers throughout her neighborhood in hopes of finding leads on Cleo’s whereabouts, she made an emotional appeal:
“If you know someone who can safely bring her back to us without any repercussions involved—I just want Cleo home,” she pleaded earnestly. “That’s all I ask.”
Status Update on Examination
Tampa Police officials have confirmed that this case remains under active investigation as they work diligently towards resolving it.
A Reward Offered for Information Leading Back Home
Mosley has announced a $2,000 reward for anyone who can help return Cleo safely—no questions asked!