NEWS RELEASE about MediaIdeasGovernanceEnvironmentDirect Action posted on May 5, 2018 by Roslyn Cassells

Surrey Peacocks Should Stay! Sullivan Heights residents declare war on relocation!

"Listen to the other 95% - HANDS OFF OUR BIRDS!"

by Roslyn Cassells - Canada's first elected Green

Peacock enjoying the summer day

Pair of peacocks

Peacock on tree stump

May 5, 2018. "It's their home...it's the last paradise...you have to fight tooth and nail to keep it" said Lance The Champ, a longtime local resident in Sullivan Heights community and peacock advocate. Lance is concerned for the welfare of the local birds who have resided in the neighborhood since 1976. "95% of my neighbours love the birds" he confirms...a fact confirmed by surveying local residents in the area. The Champ advocates for wildlife crossing signs and speed bump installations to help reduce mortality of chicks and adult birds on busy through roads. "2/3 of the birds die on the road when fast drivers don't slow down to let them and their babies cross" he said.

Local Surrey politicians and other institutions are talking about relocating the birds but The Champ and other residents are categorically opposed - a shocked Munazza Raisuddin, whose property often has around 20 birds meeting there in the mornings, was unaware plans were afoot to take the birds away - "I want the peacocks to stay here. They're adding to the beauty of the area! There is plenty of land and trees, the birds don't need to go anywhere." Brianna Deacon commented "Peacocks should be allowed to stay, not put in a zoo. It's nice to know they're out here...they're chilling...it's their home."

Terry Atwal loves the birds too, commenting "In India it's very common to see them around, just wild...they should stay." Stephen James said local decision-makers should "listen to the 95% who love the birds and live in harmony with them." Kim Waite concurred "there's a harmonic coexistence occurring in the neighborhood despite media claims to the contrary." Waite noted that "most local residents are enjoying living peacefully with these majestic birds who are doing no harm to anyone."

There are approximately 40 adult peacocks in the Sullivan Heights area according to local residents who know the birds and can tell them apart. "That guy hangs out in this yard, and roosts up in that tree" said The Champ about a gorgeous male peacock wandering some distance from his usual digs. "These birds belong here, this is there home." Local residents vow to oppose any attempt to take their avian neighbors away.

Any relocation attempt is risky, there is always mortality. Trapping can cause extreme stress in any wild animal. Relocation can result in territorial issues and elevated levels of predation. Placements can be fraught with other problems such as birds being sold at auction or online, birds being used for canned hunts, and birds being used as zoo exhibits. The Sullivan Heights peacocks deserve better. The birds are doing well in their current home, although the City of Surrey should consider placing speed bumps and wildlife crossing signs in busy streets. Slowing down just a little, and having some consideration for the other beings we share this earth with is all the peacocks need.