We’re not giving up – Owner still searching for missing parrot Havi

More than six weeks after his disappearance, Havi, a beloved sun conure, remains missing. Despite the passing of time, however, his owner, Andre-Juan Le Sueur, refuses to give up hope.

Supported by residents, bird lovers and volunteers, the search continues as sightings of the colourful parrot are still being reported across the area.

What keeps us going is that the sightings haven’t stopped,” says Andre-Juan.

“They’re not as regular as they were in the beginning, but they’re still coming in, and that tells me there’s a good chance Havi is alive.”

One of the latest reports came from a resident who recognised Havi from a missing poster displayed at a local veterinary clinic. She said she had seen a bird matching his description at Khosa Sports Club on a Sunday.

• READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE: Community rallies to find missing parrot

Unfortunately, because the clinic was closed when she first wanted to make contact, there was a delay before she could reach Andre-Juan. By the time he arrived at the location, Havi was nowhere to be seen.

“It was frustrating because I got there as quickly as I could,” he says. “But every sighting is still valuable because it helps us understand where he may be moving.”

Another recent development offered an unexpected boost to morale. A sun conure was recently reported to have been found in Polokwane. While it turned out not to be Havi, the discovery renewed Andre-Juan’s confidence that his bird may still be surviving on its own.

“We saw another post about a sun conure around the same age as Havi,” he explains.

It wasn’t him, which was disappointing, but it showed us that these birds can survive out there. If that bird could make it, then Havi could too.”

As the search continues, Andre-Juan believes one explanation makes more sense than any other.

“I still feel like he’s hanging around somebody’s house that has an aviary,” he says. “After six weeks, he has to be finding food somewhere, and an aviary would provide that. It seems like the most likely place for him to be.”

Several aviary owners and bird enthusiasts have been contacted, but so far none have reported seeing Havi.

• ALSO READ: Hope remains for missing parrot Havi

One location, however, continues to stand out. About two weeks ago, Andre-Juan heard a parrot calling from an area on Willoughby Street in Kenmare. When he drove past the area again recently, he heard several parrots calling nearby.

“There’s definitely an aviary of some sort there,” he says. “I heard other parrots calling when I drove past on Monday. I’ve reached out to people connected to the property and even contacted a venue on the street, but unfortunately, nobody has responded.”

Despite the lack of answers, community members continue to step forward. One resident, Jacqueline, has offered to visit the area and investigate further in the hope of finding new clues.

“People have been incredible,” says Andre-Juan.

The support we’ve received from strangers has been amazing.”

Another area of interest is a large property located between Andre-Juan’s home and the Khosa Sports Club. Filled with mature trees and dense vegetation, he believes it could potentially provide shelter for a bird trying to survive outdoors.

For Andre-Juan, every lead matters. Every phone call, social media share and reported sighting keeps the search alive.

“After a month and a half, most people would probably assume the worst,” he says. “But I can’t ignore the fact that people are still seeing him. Until we know otherwise, we’re going to keep looking.”

The search for Havi has become more than a mission to find a missing pet. It is also a story of perseverance, community spirit and the powerful bond between a bird and the family waiting for him to come home.

“We’re hoping he’s alive and still trying to find his way home,” says Andre-Juan.

As long as sightings keep coming in and people keep looking, we’re not giving up.”

Anyone who believes they may have seen Havi is encouraged to report the sighting immediately. Even the smallest piece of information could be the clue that finally reunites him with his family.

Contact Andre-Juan on 078 027 5948.