Missing Toucan Returned To Florida Sanctuary

DAVIE, FLORIDA — Tiki, the tourist favorite Toucan who flew the coop from her South Florida sanctuary more than a week ago, made it safely back home Wednesday thanks to a Good Samaritan with a love of animals, a history of service and a yard full of fruit trees. Tiki had been missing since June 9. The mischievous bird kept her handlers guessing despite daily sightings.

"She's back," wildlife curator Laura Wyatt of Flamingo Gardens happily declared after Tiki emerged from a portable dog kennel following a short car ride back to her Davie home outside Miami.

Established in 1927, Flamingo Gardens is one of the oldest botanical gardens in South Florida. The 60-acre not-for-profit is home to more than 3,000 tropical and sub-tropic species of plants and trees, including some of the last natural jungle in South Florida.

Most of the alligators, panthers, otters, bobcats and 45 species of birds who make their homes at the Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary within the grounds of Flamingo Gardens have suffered injuries that makes it difficult for them to live in the wild. Their offspring is frequently released back into nature.

Fortunately, the valuable Tiki had not been injured by the time she was discovered by Donald Harris in nearby Plantation, Florida.

The U.S. military veteran who served in Afghanistan, had experience rescuing dogs. He offered to help catch the elusive Tiki.

"We've been searching since she's been gone. We've been getting a phone call every single day," acknowledged Wyatt, who said handlers were willing to let Harris try his luck with Tiki.

The bird is believed to have stayed within a five-mile radius of Flamingo Gardens since escaping when a handler opened a cage door to feed her. While there were no shortage of Tiki sightings, Tiki led her handlers on what they now describe as one wild Toucan chase after another.

Harris used his familiarity with animals — not to mention his ample supply of Tiki's favorite fresh fruit — to lure the Toucan from her treed perch.

"Fruit trees and a lot of patience," explained Wyatt as to how Harris managed to win Tiki's trust. Fortunately, Tiki was no stranger to humans either.

"The bird was always in captivity, so it's not scared of people," Wyatt said.

Tiki may have also been ready to come home after what must have been a grand adventure fraught with daily encounters with crows and possibly other more menacing creatures.

But through it all, Tiki's handlers never gave up hope.

"We've been searching since she's been gone. Every day we've been going around trying to find her," said Wyatt. "She's doing fine. She looks to be in good condition, a little bit lighter than she was, but she has been eating."

After a checkup, Tiki was placed back in her enclosure where she once again rules the roost.

"Immediately, she went down to her bird bath and started drinking water and playing in the water," said Wyatt. "I'm sure she's exhausted from flying all over town for the last week and a half."

For more information on Flamingo Gardens or to plan a visit click here.

Watch as Tiki plays catch in the video below:

Watch as Tiki grabs a snack:

Tiki the Toucan is returned to Flamingo Gardens in Davie, Florida by U.S. veteran Don Harris. Photo courtesy Flamingo Gardens.