Peacock "Sugar" receiving care as investigation continues
Pasadena animal welfare officials say a white peacock known locally as Sugar is recovering and has a good prognosis after arriving under the care of Pasadena Humane following an incident last week that was captured on neighborhood surveillance video.
Veterinarians who examined the bird found swelling and several minor wounds, but X-rays showed no broken bones, according to Pasadena Humane. The organization said Sugar has been mobile, responsive, alert, eating and drinking normally since arriving in their care.
“We’re happy to share that he continues to recover and is doing well,” Pasadena Humane said in a statement.
Video prompted agency and postal service inquiries
The investigation by Pasadena Humane began after residents released surveillance footage that appears to show a mail carrier interacting aggressively with the bird on Mohawk Street. In the video, the peacock is positioned on the opposite side of a fence while the postal employee appears to spray a liquid toward the bird, then throw an object and later strike the animal when it was near a mail truck. The bird then falls and collapses on camera.
Pasadena Humane said its animal-control team is continuing to look into the circumstances and is seeking additional video from neighbors to help establish what occurred. Because the matter remains an active investigation, the agency said it is limited in the details it can share publicly at this time.
U.S. Postal Service response and local context
The U.S. Postal Service confirmed it is gathering facts and investigating the matter. In a statement, the agency emphasized it expects staff to behave professionally while working. The Postal Service also noted that employees in the area have had prior encounters with peacocks and that it has been in contact with Pasadena Humane about concerns involving the birds.
Sugar is well known among residents in the neighborhood and is distinctive because of his all-white plumage. Neighbors told local media that the bird has roamed the area for several years and is a familiar presence on nearby streets.
What investigators are seeking and what happens next
Pasadena Humane said its animal-control team is requesting additional recordings from residents and other potential witnesses to clarify the sequence of events and to document any injuries. The Postal Service likewise said it is collecting information internally as part of its review.
- Pasadena Humane: seeking more surveillance footage and witness accounts
- Veterinary findings: swelling and minor wounds; no broken bones by X-ray
- Postal Service: conducting an internal review and gathering facts
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Animal examined by veterinarian | Completed — swelling, minor wounds; X-rays negative for fractures |
| Current condition | Good — mobile, eating and drinking |
| Investigations | Open — Pasadena Humane and U.S. Postal Service |
Officials have not released additional details about the identity or status of the postal employee seen in the footage, nor whether any charges or administrative actions are pending. Pasadena Humane asked residents for patience and said it will provide updates when appropriate.
The incident has raised questions in the neighborhood about interactions between wildlife and city services. While peacocks are not native to Pasadena, feral and free-roaming birds have previously prompted calls for coordination between animal-control authorities and service providers to reduce conflict.
As the investigation proceeds, Pasadena Humane and the Postal Service are the primary agencies responsible for determining next steps. Neighbors who may have video or other information are encouraged to contact Pasadena Humane’s animal-control team to assist with the inquiry.
Reporting for WE NEWS
