'Wingo Starr' The Peacock Needs A Peninsula Home

SAN MATEO, CA — A domesticated peacock recently seen roaming around an East Palo Alto high school is now available for adoption at the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA.

"We received a call a few weeks ago from a staff member at KIPP Esperanza High School in East Palo Alto who spotted a loose peacock running around the school's parking lot," said Buffy Martin-Tarbox, communications manager for the organization. "Our rescue staff arrived and saw the bird darting around the lot. Peafowl are very smart birds and can be difficult to catch, but after about 20 minutes our staff was able to safely net the bird and bring him back to our shelter in San Mateo."

Veterinarians examined the bird and noted he was a little thin and had clipped wings, which indicated he was likely someone's pet. After helping the bird put on some weight, no one had come forward to claim him, and they cleared him for adoption. In a nod to The Beatles, he was lovingly christened with a new name: Wingo Starr.

According to the PHS/SPCA, peacocks have been kept as pets for thousands of years and do best with plenty of room and in specialized habitats like tree houses. The birds typically eat mixed grains, nuts, green vegetables and fruit, but will also feast upon insects, slugs, frogs and lizards.

The shelter is hoping a family with some prior experience can step up and take Wingo in as their own. His adoption fee is $20.

"We are specifically seeking adopters with previous peafowl experience [who] will be able to provide Wingo Starr with the amount of space he requires, and are committed to providing him the appropriate food, access to clean water and shelter," Tarbox said.

Prospective adopters can inquire about Ringo by calling the PHS/SPCA at 650-340-7022.