Stolen Batavia birds recovered, returned

BATAVIA – The exotic birds stolen this week from Batavia and Naperville pet shops were recovered early Thursday in a Berwyn home, Naperville police said.

Additionally, authorities found other animals believed to have been stolen from other pet stores. All of the animals appeared in good health, police said.

An 8-week-old white-bellied caique valued at $1,350 and a 16-week-old green cheek conure valued at $350 had been missing since Tuesday evening from Bird is the Word at 30 S. Shumway Ave. in downtown Batavia.

Also since Tuesday, an Australian cockatoo valued at $3,300 had been missing from a Petland store on Route 59 in Naperville.

Naperville police said they traced the birds to Berwyn from information obtained from suspects arrested Wednesday at a Petland store in Wheaton.

Officers from Berwyn, Bolingbrook and Naperville executed the search warrant in Berwyn.

Three people have been charged with felony retail theft:

• Erik A. Zalkus, 31, of the 3700 block of Gunderson Avenue, Berwyn.

• Viviana B. Rossi, 28, of the 3700 block of Gunderson Avenue, Berwyn.

• Rebecca F. Cozzi, 40, of the 900 block of 75th Street, Downers Grove.

Police said charges are pending against Alexander G. Kochno, 27, of the 1100 block of Woodcrest Drive, Downers Grove.

These charges do not include any that Batavia police might file, Batavia police said. Their investigation remained active Thursday as they worked with Naperville police, they said.