Cockatiel on the SkyWheel: Lost pet rescued during check of Myrtle Beach attraction
A missing bird was reunited with his owner after being discovered about 100 feet in the air on the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel.
Joel, a cockatiel, was found by team members at the amusement ride last weekend, according to a Facebook post by the business. A cockatiel is a medium-sized parrot that usually are white and yellow.
“(It) was definitely a first,” Sean Bailey, marketing manager at SkyWheel Attractions, said about finding the pet bird.
An employee who was on the SkyWheel’s ladder during a daily check, heard chirping and spotted Joel. The bird immediately climbed on him and rested on his back. That’s when Gavin climbed down the ladder and brought Joel to safety on the ground. It’s unknown how long the bird braved the elements on the SkyWheel.
“We’re really proud of our crew for responding the way they did, not only getting the bird to safety but also being able to track down his owner,” Bailey said.
Christine Iturrino, a Myrtle Beach resident, began searching for Joel on Feb. 25, according to a post from a post in an international lost birds Facebook group.
A call seeking comment from the owner was not immediately returned Saturday.
She was offering a $500 reward and left information about the bird for anyone who might come across him. Iturrino talked about the bird’s separation anxiety and how he enjoys music, especially “Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel.
Bailey said Joel supposedly was named after the singer.
“To be out there for a whole week and survive in the ecosystem ... I’m just so glad we got a happy ending,” Bailey said.
Iturrino made another Facebook post Sunday, saying how blessed she is that Joel was returned to her.
“Joel’s safe return wouldn’t have ever happened, if it weren’t for the staff at the SkyWheel (in) Myrtle Beach,” the post states. “Yes.....just like any other tourist, Joel ended up on the SkyWheel not quite two miles away...”
Joel seemed to be in good condition but was just tired and hungry, Iturrino said.
