Baby King Pigeon Athena was found as a stray on November 11th at Church & 18th streets in San Francisco. She was three and a half weeks old, too young to even self-feed, and as a domestic bird, completely unequipped to survive on her own. We know that she was bred and sold to be “squab”. We don’t know why she was dyed pink (though many we find are dyed). We don’t know why she was found helpless and alone on the edge of Dolores Park but most likely she was mistakenly “set free” by someone who thought she could survive in the park or used in a ceremony (to honor veterans?). She was very lucky to be found by a nice person rather than be killed by a dog, hawk, gull, raven, cat or raccoon. She was taken to San Francisco Animal Care & Control and they contacted us, MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue, to help her.

Together, we- all of us- the volunteers and supporters and partners of MickaCoo, saved this sweet baby. We made sure that she got the care she needed while in the shelter, we got her into a special foster home, we consulted on her care and transition from being tube-fed to self-feeding. Together, we saved baby Athena. This year, we’ve saved more than 200 lives – each as precious as Athena’s. Each of us plays a role in this rescue and whether your role is large or small, please know that it matters. YOU make a difference. And baby Athena has something to say: Thank you.

Thank you very, very much for all that you do in support of MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue. We are grateful for your compassion and kindness. We are grateful for you.