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?
*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.
Harold the peacock has been euthanised. Photograph Supplied: Auckland Zoo.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Step by step for a great cause!
Our amazing Hillary Hikers from Edmund Hillary Village showed their support for Bowel Cancer New Zealand's Move Your Butt campaign this month!
Sporting the bright purple and orange campaign shirts, these wonderful walkers hit the Auckland waterfront and marched from Mission Bay to Kohimarama, raising awareness for bowel cancer and the importance of early detection along the way.
Click read more to read the full story.
🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…
I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
Do you think you know the answer?
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.
Loading…
