Agra family's missing parrot Mau returns after 6 days, but with a twist

An Agra family has got back its missing pet parrot, Mau, nearly a week after he flew away in a storm. They said the bird was returned only after an anonymous man collected the Rs 50,000 reward.A parrot named Mau was returned back to its family in Agra. Six days after he flew away during a powerful dust storm, Mau, an Indian Ringneck parrot from Agra whose disappearance had captured widespread attention, is finally back home.The reunion marked the end of an emotional search that saw the family put up posters and hoardings across the city while announcing a reward of Rs 50,000 for anyone who could help bring their feathered companion back.According to Sunil Singh, an income tax advocate and Mau's owner, the breakthrough came on Sunday morning when he received a phone call from a man claiming the missing parrot was with him.Initially sceptical, Singh asked the caller to prove it through a video call. "As soon as Mau saw me on the screen, he recognised me," Singh said, adding that it immediately convinced him the caller was indeed with his pet. He was then instructed to reach Shastripuram Industrial Area, where, he said, a man with his face covered handed over Mau only after accepting the Rs 50,000 reward.Singh further claimed that the man warned him not to tell anyone about the exchange, threatening that the parrot would not be returned otherwise. Fearing he might lose Mau again, the family decided not to inform anyone until the bird was safely back home. Videos shared after the reunion show Mau perched comfortably on the shoulder of his owner, Mamta Singh, affectionately calling out the names of family members. To celebrate his return, the family welcomed him with his favourite treats, including a dosa made with desi ghee and fresh fruits."The happiness of Mau returning is just like a mother finding her lost child," Mamta Singh said. "For the last six days, there wasn't a single happy moment in our home. Now he refuses to leave my lap."Their daughter, Srishti, described Mau as much more than a pet. The parrot has travelled with the family to Delhi, Mathura and Vrindavan, lives freely inside their home without a cage, and even has an air-conditioned room. Earlier this year, the family celebrated his birthday on March 15.During the search, the family received nearly 1,500 phone calls. They said around 150 people sent videos of different parrots hoping to claim the reward, while some even demanded advance payments.Mau had gone missing on July 13 after strong winds carried him away during a storm. His return has not only reunited the family with a cherished companion but also brought back the smiles that had disappeared with him.(With inputs from Nitin Updhayay)- EndsPublished By: Srimoyee ChowdhuryPublished On: Jul 20, 2026 10:09 IST