Zoo reconsiders peacock policy in light of attack

Zoo reconsiders peacock policy in light of attack

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By Brian Wood and KATU Web Staff

PORTLAND, Ore. - Officials at the Oregon Zoo are weighing a decades-long tradition against the safety of kids visiting the zoo.

Over the weekend, one of the freely roaming peacocks attacked a young boy.  He is fine, but this isn't the first time a peacock has attacked a kid at the zoo.

In the summer of 2006, a 2-year-old boy was injured. The birds involved in that incident were removed from the zoo and that is what's likely to happen to the bird involved in the latest attack.

The bigger question now is whether the zoo should continue to allow the peacocks to roam freely.

"Our guests told us several years back, please, please, please don't get rid of the peacocks," said Zoo Deputy Director Carmen Hannold. "We love the peacocks, but of course we have to balance the safety of our guests with the bird."

The peacock that attacked the boy over the weekend has been captured and put in a cage. While the circumstances surrounding what happened are still being examined, the zoo did say it will be reviewing its policies about the birds.

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