APPLETON — Good news for the friendly pigeon at the Combined Locks Kwik Trip that gained widespread attention last year on social media for its outgoing antics.
The bird now has a permanent home, according to RoseBerry Bird Rescue of Little Chute who took it in, named him Jade, and cared for him after customers of the store expressed concern over its safety.
“Jade is doing fantastic and has a friend now too. He’s in a great home thanks to veterinarian Dr. Sarah Wolfe. She helped me find the perfect family for him,” said Jessica Brasch, manager of RoseBerry.
A new photo of the pigeon also was posted on the Appleton Community News Facebook group by its new owner in Iron Mountain.
“She’s found a wonderful home and loving family,” read the post.
The friendly pigeon had grown quite a social media following after cozying up to customers for at least a month at the Combined Locks Kwik Trip at the roundabout on County Highway CE.
The mystery of the friendly Kwik Trip pigeon began Dec. 10, 2021 when two people posted to the Kaukauna Community Facebook group wondering if anyone knew where the bird belonged.
Dozens of comments followed from others who were familiar with the pigeon.
But the longer the bird hung around, the more people wondered where it came from and worried about its fate.
Group member Tanya Pfeiffer posted photos of the bird sitting on her side mirror while she was filling up in early December.
“Anyone missing a pigeon? It’s been hanging out at Kwik Trip. It has a tag on the foot but they looked it up and doesn’t have any info. It’s very friendly and greets everyone,” she wrote.
“It was so nice to me this morning around 9:30. Stayed on my car and looked at me through the sun roof until I left,” another group member commented.
About the same time, Brasch was able to capture the bird and bring it safely to the rescue.
“He ate and drank nonstop that day and now is just a joy and cruises through the house,” Brasch said.
She named the bird Jade and worked with their veterinarian, Sarah Wolfe, to place him in a proper situation with other pigeons.
Brasch said she’s done some research, but still doesn’t know where he came from.
“It sounds like racing pigeons typically have two bands — one metal and one plastic,” Brasch said. “He only has a plastic band. If the metal was removed, it’s typical that they are retired from racing or could be sent to be butchered. So not sure if this guy escaped from that situation.”
Brasch says the pigeon has continued with its friendly ways.
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