NYC cops investigating after pink-coloured pigeon ‘Flamingo’ dies

Article content

Flamingo is no more and now the case of the pink pigeon is before the NYPD’s Animal Cruelty Investigation Unit.

The sunset-hued bird named Flamingo, believed to have been dyed for a special occasion, was found malnourished on Jan. 30 in Madison Square Park before it was taken to rehab group Wild Bird Fund.

Article content

The Upper West Side non-profit announced on Feb. 7 that Flamingo had died.

“We are deeply sad to report that Flamingo, our sweet pink pigeon, has passed away,” read part of the tweet by Wild Bird Fund.

“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.”

Article content

Carlos Rodriguez, who found the poor pigeon behind the Shake Shack in the park and took it to Wild Bird Fund, agreed about the cause of death.

“As soon as I picked it up, I smelled the fumes coming out of him,” Rodriguez told the New York Times..

It remains unclear whether Flamingo was deliberately dyed pink, or why, but some believe the bird was used in a gender reveal party.

Both Wild Bird Fund’s director Rita McMahon and Rodriguez confirmed to the Times they’d been approached by a detective but the police department didn’t provide any details of the probe.

“Flamingo’s story sparked a lot of emotion and generated interest from around the world,” continued the tweet by Wild Bird Fund.

“We hope the tale of his too-short life will help prevent more acts of careless cruelty. ”

The Wild Bird Fund’s tweet continued: “‘Dove releases’ sound romantic, but take away the decorations and Instagram photos, and they are the equivalent of dumping your helpless pets on the side of the road. This is no way to celebrate anything. Rest in peace, sweet bird.”