Pasadena Humane announced Wednesday that Sugar, the white peacock familiar to many residents on Mohawk Street, has made a full recovery from injuries sustained in an August encounter with a U.S. Postal Service employee and has been relocated to a private ranch in Northern California.
Recovery and Relocation
According to the shelter’s social‑media post, “Thanks to the dedicated care of our veterinary and wildlife teams, Sugar fully recovered from his injuries.” A veterinarian examined the bird, noting swelling and several minor wounds, but X‑rays confirmed that no bones were broken. After careful consideration of his long‑term wellbeing, wildlife experts determined that moving Sugar to a quieter, more controlled environment would provide the best quality of life and reduce the risk of future negative encounters, given the significant public attention surrounding his case.
What Happened
The incident was captured on video in August. The footage appears to show a Postal Service worker striking the peacock with a rock at least twice and then using a stick to hit him again. Details about what led to the confrontation have not been released. Pasadena resident Gina Davis, whose home cameras recorded the event, told NBC Los Angeles, “He’s been here for several years, and the entire neighborhood knows him. He wanders the streets around here, and everybody knows him and loves him, and we’re so sad to see what happened to him.”
Investigation and Response
Pasadena Humane Animal Control completed its investigation and turned the case over to the District Attorney’s office for review and possible formal charges. In August, the United States Postal Service said it was reviewing the incident. A USPS spokesperson said, “Postal employees in this area have experienced previous encounters with peacocks, and the Postal Service has been working with Pasadena Humane regarding concerns involving the birds. We take allegations of inappropriate conduct seriously and will take appropriate action, as warranted, consistent with Postal Service policies.”
Community Reaction
Neighbors expressed concern and affection for Sugar, describing him as a harmless fixture of the neighborhood. The decision to relocate him was welcomed by many who feared further incidents could endanger the bird or create tension between residents and postal workers.
Future Outlook
While the investigation continues, the relocation marks a positive outcome for Sugar’s health and safety. Pasadena Humane’s swift veterinary response and the collaborative effort with wildlife experts demonstrate the community’s commitment to caring for local wildlife. The shelter encourages residents to report any future wildlife concerns and to support humane solutions that protect both animals and public servants.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
