LAS VEGAS — A missing Toucan that escaped its cage in November has been found with the help of community sightings.
A Toucan named Sam had captivated the Las Vegas community after it escaped from its cage on Nov. 14, 2025. Before his rescue, Sam had gone viral after residents and visitors spotted the brightly colored bird flying around the city, looking out of place. Sam spent three months flying around Las Vegas with bird experts and community members worried for his health.
It was through reports from communities that rescuers managed to catch Sam after he flew into a garage in northwest Las Vegas. The homeowners have recognized Sam from community sightings and called the rescuers.
Despite spending three months in the harsh desert environment, Sam survived with some feathers missing and a chipped beak. Skye Marsh, president and co-founder of Southwest Exotic Avian Rescue, says that Sam is recovering in quarantine for 30 to 45 days and will be introduced to other birds there.
Sam’s rescue is a testament to the important role of community and pet safety in urban settings.
“It’s been a community effort,” Marsh said. “We need to band together and get him safe and get him where he gets the things that he needs to survive — not just to survive, but to thrive.”
