He’s baaack.
It turns out the rogue peacock who escaped the High Park Zoo last week just needed a little vacation. Supervisors with the west-end facility say the animal returned to the zoo on its own after it was seen leaping from roof to roof in various Toronto neighbourhoods.
Update: the #TorontoPeacock is back at #HighParkZoo! He's currently in the bison pen, but will hopefully fly back to his own shortly.
— High Park Zoo (@HighParkZoo) June 3, 2015
The return of the bird comes just days after Toronto Animal Services suspended their hunt over concerns the peacock would be scared further away. During its time on the run, social media filled up with pictures of the animal lounging on top of trees, roofs and even crossing the street.
#TorontoPeacock spotted in neighbour's backyard. His eyes … its like they can see inside your soul. pic.twitter.com/hstrJPD5RG
— Paul Kulig (@PaulKulig_TO) May 30, 2015
The bird even has its own Twitter account:
Well, it was fun while it lasted. Now you can all come visit me! https://t.co/fKvaTTILkv
— Pea Cock (@TorontoPeacock) June 3, 2015
It’s no surprise why news of the bird’s return even had Mayor John Tory (and many other members of the community) relieved:
Happy to learn that the #HighPark #Peacock has returned home – I guess he needed a little vacation! #TOpoli #Toronto
— John Tory (@JohnTory) June 3, 2015
Only in #Toronto…peacock that escaped High Park Zoo returned home to zoo on his own…"just went for a walk guys – chill out" (via @CP24)
— Mai Habib (@Maikeepsgoing) June 3, 2015
Hi @HighParkZoo, now that the @TorontoPeacock is home I hope he's allowed to still tweet. He's great on twitter.
— Chris Boddy (@TPSChrisBoddy) June 3, 2015
#Peacock returns! #HighPark is lovely, but we all deserve a little travel this time of year. http://t.co/rWGhGjTAAe pic.twitter.com/V3BfDNA0rd
— Peter Armstrong (@PeterBArmstrong) June 3, 2015
The original story can be found below
A rogue peacock escaped from the High Park Zoo earlier this week, and he’s still at large in Toronto’s west end. Twitter user Rebecca Davies posted a photo of the culprit this morning as it leaped from the roof of one home to another:
Happening right now: escaped #peacock from @HighParkZoo on my roof! Anyone help? pic.twitter.com/Qbl8vSzYNn
— Rebecca Davies (@RebsD) May 29, 2015
Ward 13 Coun. Sarah Doucette has since responded to the tweet, asking anyone who spots the rogue bird to call 311 so that animal services can get involved. She also urged the bird to return:
Peacock calling for his friend to return home. His wife and friends are missing him pic.twitter.com/QIVBnN8ez8
— Sarah Doucette (@DoucetteWard13) May 29, 2015
It’s still unclear exactly when the peacock made a break for it, but images and videos of him have been appearing on Twitter since May 27:
#highparkpeacockontherun pic.twitter.com/68tSIxBuB1
— jodie simpson (@JodiesJumpsuit) May 27, 2015
There’s even a video!
We hope you get home safe, big guy.