Farewell to ‘Norman’

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our 17-year-old geriatric peacock, ‘Norman’.

At 17, Norman was considered geriatric for his species. He had been receiving supportive care and treatment for advanced degenerative changes in his spine and legs. Earlier this month, our Animal Care, Health & Welfare team made the compassionate decision to euthanize him as he was no longer responding to these treatments.

Norman hatched right here at the zoo in spring of 2006 and spent his whole life with us. Anyone who has visited our grounds during the spring and summer months will know that our free-roaming peafowl each have an area of the zoo that they seem to prefer to frequent. Identifiable by his purple leg band, Norman was known to roam the beautiful green spaces around the Chilean flamingo habitat and the nearby gorilla amphitheatre.

Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when it’s to those who have grown old with us. Norman was loved by many and will be dearly missed. Please keep our Animal Care, Health & Welfare team in your thoughts during this difficult time.