Auckland Zoo's only peacock dies
Auckland Zoo's only free-range peacock Harold has been euthanised due to ill health.
The 20-year-old peafowl was suffering from a severe infection of the crop, the muscular pouch where he stores food, and took a turn for the worse.
Harold was more than 20 years old.
He came to Auckland Zoo from Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust near Christchurch in May 2002.
Auckland Zoo keepers said Harold was a charismatic wanderer, and a brave adventurer who would even visit the rhino, emu and brolga.
He knew his way around the zoo incredibly well, including the short cuts to different areas, they said.
The bird's musical honk and provocative tail shimmy was a sight to behold, with only the female guinea fowl seemingly immune to his charms, Auckland Zoo staff said.
“Harold would mysteriously travel across the Zoo, frequenting every animal keeper kitchen for a smorgasbord of treats”, staff said.
Do you remember seeing Harold during your trips to Auckland Zoo?
What are some of your memories of him?
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Harold the peacock has been euthanised. Photograph Supplied: Auckland Zoo.
Poll: 🗑️ Would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
Aucklanders, our weekly rubbish collections are staying after councillors voted to scrap a proposed trial of fortnightly pick-ups.
We want to hear from you: would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
Keen for the details? Read up about the scrapped collection trial here.
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83.3% Same!
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16.7% Would have liked to try something different
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
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Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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42% Yes
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33.3% Maybe?
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24.7% No
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
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