Flip & Borealis at the vet
Did you know that Palomacy rescues not only domestic pigeons and doves but unreleasable feral Rock pigeons too?
When Emerald found a broken-winged feral Rock pigeon, she brought her home to her small boat, named her Borealis and began searching for rescue help. But Borealis’ wing was badly damaged and with the likelihood of ever being able to fly again nearly nil, the chance of releasability was very low so euthanasia was the best even pigeon-friendly wildlife rescues would be able to offer. But Borealis wanted to live and Emerald was determined to save her.
Emerald rescued Borealis
Luckily, Emerald found Palomacy and, thanks to your support, we were able to say Yes to saving Borealis’ life. The injuries to her elbow and shoulder joints mean the wing is irrepairable and Borealis won’t fly again but pigeons are brilliantly adaptable and she is very happy now fostered in our Special Needs aviary, keeping company with Jacob and Athena, Freddy and Penny, Bearice and Waffle and making friends with another new pigeon named Flip.
Borealis & Flip hanging out in my Specials’ foster aviary
L-R: Athena, Jacob, Flip & Borealis
Flip is a little feral Rock pigeon with a special feather updo who at some point survived stringfoot entanglement but lost one foot and a toe to the injuries. When found on a stormy spring morning in Washington Square Park, Flip was soaked to the skin, skinny, weak, grounded and wearing a homemade prosthetic glued to his stump, a sort of badge of kindness that someone made for him. Flip was taken to San Francisco Animal Care & Control but he wasn’t feeling well. Flip wasn’t eating and they contacted Palomacy for help.
Flip at SFACC (with a homemade prosthetic superglued to her footless stump)
Flip’s homemade prosthetic fell off at SFACC
And again, thanks to your support, we were able to say Yes to helping Flip. With a little TLC and surrounded by lots of inspiring pigeons, Flip began regaining his strength, putting on weight and making new friends but then came a downturn. Little Flip is once again at risk, fighting to overcome a not-yet-diagnosed illness.
Flip isn’t feeling well
What is certain is that these two brave little birds will get the best care and happiest lives we can give them, thanks to you.
Borealis & Flip (with millet stalks) leaving the vet
Thank You! You are making a life-saving, compassion-creating difference.
Read more feral Rock pigeon Palomacy rescue stories-
Baby, I’m a Star! The Story of Prince
