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A man climbed up a tree to rescue his pet bird then needed someone to rescue him, KPRC Local 2 reported Tuesday.
William Hart said his cockatoo, Geronimo, flew out a window of his Porter home and landed in a tree about 60 feet above the ground.
Hart went from tree to tree to get to Geronimo and realized he and the bird could not get down.
"I was handicapped," Hart said. "I had one arm. I would have had to make the jump back to the little tree."
Firefighters from Porter, The Woodlands and Houston tried to reach him, but their ladders were too short. The Houston Police Department sent one of their helicopters to dangle a harness close to him.
"I could see already that the rope was too short," Hart said. "At least 20 foot or better and they tried their best. I give my gratitude to them."
A United States Coast Guard helicopter was the only option left for a safe rescue. A cable lowered a diver down and Hart was put in a harness.
"I was an experience for sure," Hart said. "I thought they were going to bring a simple ladder out to get me -- a fire truck or something."
About four hours after climbing the tree, Hart and Geronimo were safely on the ground. Hart said he plans to have Geronimo's wings clipped so he does not end up climbing up a tree again.
The cost incurred for the rescue could run into the thousands of dollars. Hart said he has a plan if he gets a bill.
"I would have to pay it," Hart said.
Hart said Geronimo is worth about $2,000.
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