A pigeon dyed pink for a party has died, sparking anger online - and prompting hopes that his story may curtail similar wanton acts of animal cruelty
A pigeon who is believed to have been dyed pink for a ‘gender reveal’ party has died, according to reports.
The bird, who made headlines after being rescued in New York City, was believed to be under a year old.
Named Flamingo by rescuers, he was found wandering in Madison Square Park last week, before being taken into care by the Wild Bird Fund.
News of his plight prompted anger across the internet, with animal lovers furious with the as-yet unidentified people who mistreated the animal by dyeing him.
According to the Wild Bird Fund, which hopes Flamingo’s story will stop other people from carrying out similarly wanton acts of animal cruelty, the bird likely died as a result of inhaling toxic fumes from the pink dye.
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Wild Bird Fund hopes Flamingo’s story will stop other people from carrying out similar acts of animal cruelty. Image courtesy of @wildbirdfund via Instagram
Pigeon dyed pink dies
Announcing Flamingo’s death on Instagram, the Wild Bird Fund said: “We are deeply sad to report that Flamingo, our sweet pink pigeon, has passed away.
“Despite our best efforts to reduce the fumes coming off the dye, while keeping him calm and stable, he died in the night. We believe his death was caused by inhaling the toxins.”
The organisation thanked everyone who shared ‘expressions of goodwill and the many helpful suggestions’.
It added: “Flamingo’s story sparked a lot of emotion and generated interest from around the world. We hope the tale of his too-short life will help prevent more acts of careless cruelty.
“This king pigeon, a domestic bird likely raised for food, was malnourished, barely older than a baby and had no survival skills when he was released and left to fend for himself. Even without the added complication of the toxic dye, he would not have survived in a city park as a white, helpless bird.”
The Wild Bird Fund added that domestic birds who have been raised in captivity ‘should never be released to the wild’, as they ‘will die of starvation or predation’.
Featured image credit: @wildbirdfund via Instagram
Are you keen to stand against cruelty and do positive work for animals instead? Check out these 8 ways to help animals for inspiration
