September 19, 2025

Arlington Firefighters Rescue Viral Toucan from Dishwasher

News Summary

In Arlington, Texas, firefighters came to the rescue of Chester the Toucan, a viral TikTok star trapped behind a dishwasher. After a daring escape attempt gone wrong, firefighter Jake Easton led the successful operation to save Chester, who emerged unscathed. Chester, a chestnut-eared aracari with over 830,000 TikTok followers, continues to bring joy to his owner Maria Stagliano and fans alike. This heartwarming rescue highlights the bond between pets and their owners and the dedication of local heroes.

Virginia—Arlington County firefighters successfully rescued Chester, a chestnut-eared aracari toucan famous for his TikTok presence, after he became trapped behind a dishwasher in his owner’s apartment. The rescue operation took place over the holiday weekend, following a series of unfortunate events that left Chester in a tight spot.

The incident began when Chester accidentally fell into his owner Maria Stagliano’s toilet. Following this, Stagliano attempted to wash him, which led to his unexpected escape. In a frenzied search for a secure hiding spot, Chester squeezed his way into a narrow space behind the dishwasher, leaving Stagliano in a dilemma on how to retrieve her beloved pet without damaging her apartment.

After attempting to get help from her apartment’s emergency maintenance services, which were unable to provide assistance for at least two days, Stagliano decided to contact the fire department. Firefighters arrived at the scene within eight minutes and quickly assessed the situation.

The rescue was executed with remarkable efficiency, as firefighters managed to remove the dishwasher without causing any injuries to Chester or damage to the apartment. Firefighter Jake Easton observed that many people tend to have misconceptions about the size of toucans, sharing that he was surprised by Chester’s actual size during the operation.

This unusual call exemplifies the diverse range of situations that firefighters are trained to handle. The Arlington County Fire Department publicly recognized the successful rescue, a testament to their commitment to community service, be it in emergencies involving humans or animals.

Chester is now back to his vivacious self after the ordeal. Stagliano has expressed her intention to properly thank the firefighters for their prompt and effective response. Following the rescue, she took additional precautions by patching the hole under her dishwasher to prevent any future mishaps. Furthermore, she plans to keep the toilet lid closed to ensure Chester’s continued safety.

Stagliano adopted Chester in 2021, and his presence quickly turned from a personal joy into a social media phenomenon. At her family’s suggestion, she began sharing videos of Chester on TikTok, which have since garnered him over 830,000 followers and 21 million likes. His popularity stems from his delightful “happy honks,” which have captured the hearts of many viewers online.

The adventure that led to Chester’s inspirational rescue serves as a reminder of the unique bonds that can be formed between humans and animals and the lengths to which one will go to protect their furry (or feathered) friends. This story not only shines a light on the importance of responsible pet ownership but also highlights the role of local emergency services in addressing even the most unusual requests for help.

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Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN

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