Pesky parrot unleashes mayhem at Chicago airport: "It was funny but it was crazy"

Chicago, Illinois - A crazy parrot threw Chicago O’Hare International Airport into turmoil last week, until a brave cleaning staff member finally managed to stop the feathered attacker.

The feathered troublemaker kept attacking travelers at the Chicago O'Hare International Airport on Tuesday of last week.
The feathered troublemaker kept attacking travelers at the Chicago O'Hare International Airport on Tuesday of last week.  © Collage: Screenshots/Instagram/paris_global

The colorful animal caused a stir by swooping down at unsuspecting travelers in line in Terminal 5, landing on their heads and making itself comfortable on their suitcases. It even tried to bite a few passengers.

Airport staff member Paris Elbert, who filmed the chaos, told CBS News it lasted several hours during his Tuesday afternoon shift last week.

Many travelers found the bird cute at first – only to get a rude surprise if they got too close.

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"It was funny but it was crazy. Sad too," Elbert said.

Whenever someone tried to approach or catch the animal, the bird went completely berserk, he described.

Mischievous parrot finally caught

The incident took place in Terminal 5 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, one of the country's major air travel hubs.
The incident took place in Terminal 5 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, one of the country's major air travel hubs.   © DANIEL SLIM / AFP

It turned out that the mischievous animal was a type of parrot. Notably, the green bird was missing all its feathers around the neck.

The bird’s origin was initially unclear. According to Elbert, it had flown into the airport building through an open door.

Whether the parrot had escaped from its owner or had been on its own for some time is unknown.

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After numerous failed attempts to capture the aggressive bird, an airport cleaning staff member finally came to the rescue.

Elbert said the woman managed to grab the agitated bird using her shirt. She then took the parrot to a veterinarian, where it could be examined and – if possible – determine whether anyone is missing their feathered companion.

Cover photo: Collage: Screenshots/Instagram/paris_global

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