Peacock owners in a flap as birds go AWOL in Cork

An exotic bird with slender legs, bright plumage and a sense of adventure was found wandering the streets of Cork’s northside, looking a little lost.

No, not Kim Kardashian on a second honeymoon.

It was a male feathery visitor known as Martin the Peacock who took up residence in Silverheights Avenue in Mayfield.

In fact, there were two missing peacocks in Cork city in the past 24 hours, an amazing occurrence according to the Munster Lost and Found Pet Helpline. Both are now safely back with their owners.

One was found near his home in Carrigtwohill and owner, Maria Delany was delighted to report her pet’s return on her Facebook page.

“GREAT news,” Maria posted. “Peacock had Finally returned home after his wild adventure next door. Thank you Soo much for all the help...”

The tail of two peacocks was a first for Ellie and Lindsay, who run the charity helpline and shelter, and who pledge never to allow a pet in their care to be put down.

“We could hardly believe it,” said volunteer Ellie. “This was our first missing peacock in 13 years and then there were two in the one day. They are such lovely creatures and the poor peacock in Mayfield must have been very thirsty.”

He didn’t go hungry, though, as local resident Laura Daunt, looked after him for six hours in a neighbour’s garden. “We gave him bread and water and rang the guards and the animals’ home.” !

Help finally arrived in the form of Lisa O’Donovan from the ISPCA who brought him to safety until his owner arrived to take Martin back to Kilworth in north Cork. He had been missing for three weeks.