The Wild Bird Fund just recently found a domestic king pigeon that had actually been colored pink and launched into the wild. The poor person was called Flamingo, and his story is a crucial pointer not to color birds (or any animal) and the risk of launching domestic animals into the wild.
The rescue group thinks Flamingo was washed with hair color to turn him pink, triggering some to recommend he was utilized as a prop for a gender reveal party. Despite the group’s best shots, Flamingo passed away, likely from breathing in harmful fumes. The strong components in hair color make it particularly dangerous for birds with extremely delicate breathing systems, and while preening, it’s possible the poor pigeon likewise consumed the toxic substances.
Flamingo is an example of another essential wildlife issue – buying then launching domestic birds into the wild. Pigeons, doves, and other domestic animals don’t have survival impulses, making them especially susceptible to hunger and predation.
According to IFLScience, Wild Bird Fun thought Flamingo, a little older than fledging age, was most likely bought from a poultry market and not meant to be an animal. The group prompts, “Please celebrate your life events peacefully without harming others.”
We are deeply sad to report that Flamingo, our sweet pink pigeon, has actually died. Despite our best shots to lower the fumes coming off the color, while keeping him calm and steady, he passed away in the night. We think his death was brought on by breathing in the toxic substances.
📷: Alexis Ayala pic.twitter.com/218hh6oN8P
— Wild Bird Fund (@wildbirdfund) February 7, 2023
If you’d like to support their efforts, you can add to the Wild Bird Fund here.
