Mick Swasko and Michelle Manchir, TribLocal reporters
Four people have been arrested in connection with multiple thefts of rare birds and other exotic animals from west suburban pet shops.
Police said husband and wife Erik A. Zalkus, 31, and Viviana B. Rossi, 28, both of the 3700 block of Gunderson Avenue in Berwyn, face charges after birds were stolen from Bolingbrook, Batavia and Naperville pet stores.
Both were charged Thursday with felony retail theft by the Naperville Police after they were arrested Wednesday at Petland in Wheaton, police said. Judge Karen Wilson set bond at $80,000 and $50,000 for Zalkus and Rossi respectively Thursday afternoon. Zalkus has previously been convicted of unlawful use of weapon, retail theft and assault; Rossi has been convicted twice for retail theft, according to court records.
Assistant States Attorney Jeffrey Muntz said Rossi originally denied being involved, but feathers consistent with one of the stolen birds were found in her purse.
The animals, which were not harmed and have been returned to their owners, were found at the Berwyn address. Police also found four sugar gliders — a small Australian marsupial with the ability to glide similar to a flying squirrel — at the residence.
Bolingbrook Police also arrested Rebecca F. Cozzi, 40, and Alexander G. Kochno, 28, who were both charged with retail theft with intent to retain/deprive.
Janet Star, owner of the Bolingbrook Petland location, said she assisted police Wednesday night as they searched the Berwyn home. She said the birds and sugar gliders were being kept in what appeared to be a temporary environment, but all had food and water.
Theyre in relatively good health, Star said.
A $500 Blue Quaker Parrot was taken from the Bolingbrook Petland, where it appears the thefts began on Monday.
A White Bellied Caique and a Green Cheek Conures, were taken around 6 p.m. Tuesday from Bird is the Word in Batavia, and around 8:20 p.m., a rare Rose Breasted Cockatoo named Joey was taken from a Petland in Naperville, owner Adam Stachowiak said.
Stachowiak said Joey is the most valuable bird he has ever had in the Naperville store.
This bird was especially social and very, very friendly, Stachowiak said. It was pretty much everyone’s favorite bird.
Chicago Tribune reporter Art Barnum contribued to this report.
No, Barbyr, keeping exotic birds should not be against the law. There are many fine bird owners out there who know how to take care of their pets, and many vets who are trained/schooled in treating them. There’s no reason to outlaw them as long as owners accept the responsibility of owning them.
Keeping exotic birds as pets should be against the law.
bird brains……glad its a felony!