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31
May 2022
Last Updated: 31/05/2022
Bilton's Peter the Peacock living his best life in Lancashire
Peter had wandered around the Tennyson Avenue area for years and was considered part of Bilton. But a year ago Peter vanished, which shocked the local community.
Bilton's Peter the Peacock is now happily living among fellow peacocks on a farm in Lancashire.
Peter had wandered around the Tennyson Avenue area for years and was considered part of Bilton. Facebook and Twitter accounts were set up in honour of the enigmatic bird.
But in June last year Peter vanished, which shocked the local community.
It emerged a resident had contacted the RSPCA about Peter after he was seen limping, and the colourful creature was whisked away to the vets for treatment.
Residents in Bilton mobilised and considered launching a campaign to bring the bird back. Bilton councillor Paul Haslam even offered to rehome him on his farm.
But their efforts were in vain, as the RSPCA said they had already found a new home for him.
A year on from the saga, the Stray Ferret asked the RSPCA for an update on Peter, and it's good news.
Read More:
- ‘We want him home’: Bilton bids to bring back Peter the Peacock
- Has Peter the Peacock left Bilton for good?
- Councillor fails in bid to rehome Peter the Peacock on his farm
After visiting the vets, Peter crossed the Pennines for rehab with a specialist keeper in Lancashire.
He has since been happily rehomed on a farm with other peacocks, also in Lancashire.
His new owner said:
“Peter is doing really well and he enjoys wandering around on 400 acres of nearby farm land. He no longer limps on his right leg and he enjoys sleeping in his own barn.
“He tends to keep himself to himself but has the company of three other peacocks when he is feeling sociable. We love having him and are delighted that he is happy here.”
An RSPCA spokesperson said it's the "perfect home" for Peter:
“Peter lived for many years on his own but was found to be injured.
“He was returned to full health in our care and a new home was found with many other peacocks for company where he will be able to spend the rest of his days.
“We are grateful to the residents who cared for him but it would have been illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to release him back into the wild in Bilton because peacocks are classed as a non-native species. Fortunately, we were able to find him the perfect place to live in Lancashire.”
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