The recent rescue of a striking pink pigeon from Madison Square Park in New York City has brought attention to the irresponsible actions of some people. The Wild Bird Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing birds, has taken in the king pigeon and has made a plea on social media urging the public to refrain from dyeing birds and setting domesticated birds free into nature.
King pigeons are dissimilar to the ordinary feral pigeons found in urban areas which tend to frequent public statues and scavenge for human leftovers. King pigeons are bred birds and lack the ability to survive independently. “These unfortunate birds face considerable challenges as domesticated animals unable to fend for themselves in the wild, fly proficiently, or evade predators. The fact that they possess bright and atypical plumage only exacerbates their vulnerability,” stated Wild Bird Fund.
According to the group, the bird is just a fledgling and has been suffering from long-term malnutrition. Its natural color is white. The Wild Bird Fund tweeted that they will attempt to remove the pink color with a few baths, but ultimately the bird should molt its feathers and return to its original appearance.
Also check out…
Human Heroes Save Three-Legged Deer Entangled in Christmas Lights
Watch Biologists Form Long Chain to Rescue Dolphin
Wild Bird Fund posted a public service announcement on Facebook, urging people to never release domestic birds into the wild for weddings, funerals, celebrations, art projects or any other reason. “They will either starve or become prey for other animals. (We hope it goes without saying, but please don’t dye them.)”
Although the bird’s source is unclear, online commentators are proposing that it might have participated in a gender reveal celebration with the color pink representing a female. Let’s strive for better, humanity.
