SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Oct. 30, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Tracy Aviary has announced the death of Pink, a rare Pink Pigeon that came to the aviary from the Bronx Zoo in 1999, and who was believed to be the oldest of her kind in human care.
Pink turned 26 in September. Pink Pigeons in the wild typically live to about age 18.
Pink was raised by Ring-necked doves. At the time of her arrival in Utah, Pink was considered one of the rarest species in the world. In 1990, fewer than 10 Pink Pigeons remained in the wild. The pigeons were native to the island of Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean, where predators, a shortage of their natural foods, diseases and habitat degradation had led to their near extinction.
“Throughout her life, Pink played a vital role in contributing to the population of Pink Pigeons in human care,” the Tracy Aviary statement says. “She laid numerous eggs throughout her life. Following traditions and best practices, Ring-necked doves raised her offspring. They successfully reared 13 chicks during her egg laying years.”
As Pink entered her senior years, plans were made for her retirement.
“After discussions with the Species Survival Plan, it was decided that her wellbeing was better suited staying at Tracy Aviary instead of traveling. She would live out the rest of her life in the Treasures of the Rainforest Exhibit.”
When that exhibit opened in 2016, Pink’s keepers worried she might become stressed when moved to the more open exhibit.
“After much discussion with the bird care staff, it was decided to give her a try,” the Tracy Aviary statement says.
“She was the first bird to be moved to the exhibit and immediately began flying the space and interacting with natural plantings. She quickly established herself as the leader of the ‘roost’ and was often observed displacing birds bigger and smaller than her if they landed in a place that she felt was her own.”
Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, the Pink Pigeon is no longer listed as endangered. Today, there are approximately 600 individuals in the wild and 83 in human care across 21 facilities, the Tracy Aviary statement says.
“Though saying goodbye is never easy, we are honored to celebrate her legacy.”
