A DEVASTATED family are appealing for help from the Redditch community after their exotic pet was stolen from the garden of their Smallwood home during Monday (February 29) night.
Natalie Humeniuk told the Standard she heard a noise in her garden in Glover Street last night and discovered this morning, to her horror, Kopi – the much-loved family pet was missing.
He was housed in a secure pen, approximately the size of a shed, that was kept at the rear of the garden.
The Asian palm civet, also known as a common palm civet and as a Toddy Cat, is easily recognisable by its dark, coarse hair and large eyes.
Kopi is about three-years-old and has a tooth which protrudes on the right side of his lower jaw.
The animal has bonded with Natalie’s husband after settling in with the Humeniuks two-and-a-half years ago and as well as breaking their hearts, Kopi’s disappearance is a cause of huge concern for the family, as he has specific dietary needs as a specialist exotic animal.
He eats exotic fruits and also small vermin. Asian Palm Civets are known to have an aggressive nature and are very difficult to handle.
Natalie added Kopi has a very distinctive smell which may alert Redditch residents to his whereabouts.
“He smells like popcorn, it’s very strong. Anyone handling him or their home would smell of popcorn,” she added.
Anyone with information – who may have heard a disturbance in Glover Street last night, or seen the animal – should call police on 101 quoting reference 0355s 020316.
The family can also be contacted with any details on 07847891757.
