KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. -- Someone has stolen a rare black Australian swan from the Gardens of Crandon Park -- this according to the park's foundation.

Lovey could die if the female swan isn't returned to its home in Key Biscayne. The rare bird disappeared several days ago.

"I checked for it, couldn't see it," said Valerie Cassidy, founder of the Gardens of Crandon Park Foundation. "I called for it, didn’t answer. The swan had gone. There's no trace of anything."

Lovey and several other birds there require special care and have strict diets. More than 40 different types of waterfowl can be found throughout the park, according to Cassidy, making it a popular destination for children and families. But the park has also seen its share of thieves and vandals, leading park personnel to believe Lovey was stolen.

"They just come in and they feel that they can take a bird or, you know, help themselves and it's really kind of frustrating," said Mike Roe, who said he wants the swan returned.

Cassidy, who led the cause to transform the 30-acre plot of land into the Gardens of Crandon Park when the zoo left in 1980, said she just wants Lovey back home again.

"I'd love them to bring her back," she said.