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This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
KPCC Archive

Peacock killings: Another bird found hurt in Rolling Hills Estates

By  Kevin Ferguson
Published Jun 25, 2014 10:57 AM
In June 2014, a peacock affectionally named "Flipper," suffered from internal injuries investigators believe were caused by a human.
The peacock, affectionally named "Flipper," is suffering from internal injuries investigators believe were caused by a human.
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spcaLA
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In June, 2014, officials recovered an injured peacock into a truck after the bird was discovered in a residential part of the city.
In Rolling Hills Estates, officials load Flipper, an injured peacock, into a truck after the bird was discovered in a residential part of the city.
(
spcaLA
)
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As greater attention focuses on the killing of 50 peafowl in Rolling Hills Estates in recent months, officials at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Los Angeles (spcaLA) reported finding the first known survivor in a case of suspected animal cruelty.

The peacock, whom authorities have named "Flipper," was discovered Monday by a resident on Buckskin Lane — the same place where many peafowl less fortunate than Flipper have been found dead. 

The bird was found with what the spcaLA is calling "an internal ailment caused by a human." The organization declined to elaborate further, citing that the investigation is still ongoing.

In a statement, spcaLA President Madeline Bernstein said that even if he recovers, Flipper will never be able to live in the wild again. “Fortunately, spcaLA has strong relationships with a number of private and public entities, and he will be transferred to sanctuary once he is well enough to be moved."

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The discovery of Flipper marks another chapter in a long saga among residents of Rolling Hills Estates: To some, the peafowl are a welcome part of the community, while others see them as a nuisance. To date, 50 birds have been found dead: some hit by cars or poisoned, while others were shot by pellets or arrows. 

VIDEO: Who is killing the peacocks of Rolling Hills Estates?

The spcaLA says they'll continue investigating the deaths, and ask anyone with information to call their cruelty tip line at 1-800-540-SPCA.

(Peafowl is the correct term for the birds, which are commonly referred to as "peacocks." Strictly speaking, a peacock is the male of the species; a peahen is the female.)

Do you have information about these peafowl killings? Let us know in the comments or by email.

CORRECTION: Because of an editing error, KPCC mis-characterized the nature of the spcaLA. The organization is independent and not a branch. KPCC regrets the error.

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