Marley, a male toucan reported missing from Chula Vista on November 2, 2025, was last listed on PawBoost near Mount Owen Court. The owner’s post stated that the bird “won’t survive out there” and noted that Marley eats fruit.
In recent days, photos and videos of what appears to be the same toucan have circulated widely on Reddit, Nextdoor and local Facebook groups. One Reddit user posted images of the bird perched on a backyard fence in La Mesa near the Mount Helix area, writing, “Toucan landed in our backyard in La Mesa! Not sure if this is anyone’s missing animal.”
Another recent post from Rolando Park showed a similar toucan in a tree, with the poster writing, “Heard a weird bird noise and boom, toucan.” The user later said they contacted San Diego Zoo security and sent photos, video and location information.
The sightings have prompted a mix of concern, fascination and jokes from residents stunned to see a bird normally associated with tropical forests perched in San Diego backyards. Commenters have reported possible earlier sightings in Imperial Beach, Little Italy, El Cajon, Rolando Park, La Mesa and other neighborhoods, though not all sightings have been independently confirmed.
Toucans are not native to San Diego. Keel-billed toucans, the colorful species Marley appears to resemble, are native to tropical forests of Mexico, Central America and parts of South America. Their presence in Southern California is generally associated with private ownership, zoological facilities, or illegal wildlife trade.
The sightings also come shortly after a separate wildlife-trafficking case involving 14 keel-billed toucans that were discovered hidden inside a vehicle dashboard at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in 2025. Those birds were reportedly sedated, bound and in poor condition before being rehabilitated at the Bronx Zoo with help from federal authorities. There is no known connection between Marley and that case.
Residents who spot Marley are being urged not to chase or frighten the bird. Several commenters have suggested leaving out fruit such as banana, papaya, mango, berries or melon and contacting the owner through PawBoost, San Diego Humane Society’s Project Wildlife, animal control, or the San Diego Zoo for guidance.
For now, Marley remains on the move, turning an otherwise ordinary San Diego birdwatching moment into something closer to a citywide scavenger hunt.
Originally published on May 25, 2026.
