UN Geneva Receives Five Peacocks from India, Reviving a Longstanding Tradition

UN Geneva has welcomed five young peacocks gifted by India, reviving a decades-old tradition at the Palace of Nations. The new arrivals—four blue peacocks and one white male—will initially stay in a temporary aviary at Ariana Park for around three months before being allowed to roam freely across the grounds. India's gift continues a tradition that dates back to 1981, when former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi presented a breeding pair of peacocks to Geneva. The birds are being introduced to rebuild the estate's peafowl population, which had fallen to just one surviving bird. Officials say the UN grounds provide an ideal habitat, though the young birds will be monitored closely for predators such as foxes. The five males are expected to settle peacefully as a group. The peacock tradition itself dates to Gustave Revilliod, who donated the estate to Geneva in 1890 with a provision that peacocks should continue to roam its grounds. A public contest is also expected to be held to name the five new arrivals.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.