08 February 2023 , 11:41
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A pigeon who was found malnourished and dyed pink for a gender reveal party has died, according to officials.
The bird, named Flamingo because of its bright pink colour, was purchased at a poultry market for a gender reveal party in Madison Square Park, New York, US, on January 30.
The Wild Bird Fund rescued the bird and took him into their care for treatment after they believed the pigeon was dyed deliberately.
However, he tragically died on Tuesday.
The non-for-profit organisation confirmed the bird died after inhaling toxins from the pink dye.
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Wild Bird Fund said in a statement on Twitter: "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 wildlife charity believe the bird was dyed in order for a couple to throw a gender reveal party to announce the sex of their unborn child.
He sadly died despite the best efforts of the Wild Bird Fund (Alexis Ayala / Wild Bird Fund)The tradition originally started in the US and has grown in popularity with couples having different ways of announcing the sex of their child.
Some of the gender reveal parties include ballon-popping, which reveals either pink or blue confetti.
However, in this instance, a pigeon was dyed pink to reveal the gender of a child.
The Wild Bird Fund 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.”
The group originally tried to rescue him by bathing him to get ride of the pink dye.
They also used heat, oxygen and subcutaneous fluids, and medication to try and nullify the toxin’s effects on the bird.
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However, he was unable to eat and struggled to digest food.
“This king pigeon, a domestic bird likely raised for food, was malnourished, barely older than a baby and had no survival skills,” the group said.
“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.”
The wildlife charity said domestic birds should never be released into the wild as they won't survive.
The Wild Bird Fund said in a statement: "Please never release domestic birds to the wild.
"Not for weddings, funerals, celebrations, art projects, anything. (We'd hope that 'don't dye them' goes without saying, but...) They will starve or be preyed on.
"If you find an all white pigeon (or any odd colour), especially one looking scared and lost, it needs help."