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.
🧩😏 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.
Some Choice News!
DOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.
Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited time and funding, conservation has always meant making tough calls about what gets attention first.
For the first time, DOC has put real numbers around what it would take to do everything needed to properly safeguard our unique natural environment. The new BioInvest tool shows the scale of the challenge: 310,177 actions across 28,007 sites.
Now that we can see the full picture, it brings the big question into focus: how much do we, as Kiwis, truly value protecting nature — and what are we prepared to invest to make it happen?
We hope this brings a smile!
Illuminate Market 2026 is coming soon!
Hosted by Recreate NZ, Illuminate Market is a true celebration of possibility, showcasing the incredible strengths and talents of young people. A space where empowered inclusion comes to life, and the richness of diverse minds is recognised and celebrated. Illuminate Market is the vibrant, socially inclusive world we all want to see.
Bring your whānau and friends along to this joyful community event featuring market stalls, delicious kai, creative workshops, live performances and fun activities for the whole family. Free entry, all welcome!
Saturday 28th March 2026 | 4pm - 8pm
Mt Albert War Memorial Hall & Reserve, 773 New North Road, Mt Albert, Auckland
Illuminate Market is made possible with funding support from Spectrum Foundation and Albert-Eden Local Board.
Follow Recreate NZ on Facebook & Instagram for the latest event updates or visit www.recreate.org.nz....
Loading…
