After ten remarkable weeks of freedom, a green parakeet named Mei Mei has been safely captured in Central Park, ending one of New York City’s most unusual animal adventures. The small bird, who escaped from her owner’s Upper West Side apartment in late August, managed to survive on her own in the heart of Manhattan—enduring unpredictable weather, predators, and urban chaos.
Throughout her time in the park, Mei Mei was spotted by joggers, birdwatchers, and park-goers, becoming a minor local celebrity. Her bright green feathers and distinct chirps stood out among the city’s sparrows and starlings, but repeated rescue attempts initially failed as the parakeet learned to adapt and evade capture.
According to rescuers, Mei Mei survived by feeding on insects and seeds and even interacting with local bird flocks, blending into the park’s ecosystem. Volunteers from a local wildlife rescue group set up feeding stations and used recordings of parakeet calls in hopes of luring her back safely.
After several failed attempts, the team finally succeeded this week, using a humane net trap near The Ramble—a dense, wooded section of Central Park. One rescuer described the moment as a “miracle,” citing the bird’s ability to endure for so long in an unfamiliar environment.
“It’s amazing that she survived this long in the wild,” one volunteer said. “Most domesticated birds wouldn’t last a week, but Mei Mei adapted like a true New Yorker.”
The parakeet has been reunited with her relieved owner and is reportedly in good health after a veterinary checkup. Her story has quickly spread on social media, with many New Yorkers celebrating what they’re calling “the city’s smallest survivor.”
In summary: Mei Mei’s 10-week adventure in Central Park stands as a rare story of survival, resilience, and the unbreakable will to find home again—even amid the towering skyline of New York City.
