Sugar, a white peacock allegedly struck by a U.S. Postal Service worker in Pasadena last week, is continuing to recover from his injuries and has a good prognosis, Pasadena Humane officials said Monday.
The bird was examined by a veterinarian after arriving in the organization’s care and was found to have swelling and several minor wounds, but X-rays showed no broken bones, according to Pasadena Humane.
“We’re happy to share that he continues to recover and is doing well,” the organization said Monday. “His prognosis is good, and he has been mobile, responsive, alert, eating and drinking normally.”
Pasadena Humane said its animal control team is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Sugar’s injuries and is seeking additional video footage from neighbors.
The investigation follows the release of surveillance video that appears to show a postal worker striking the peacock on Mohawk Street last Tuesday.
The video shows the bird on the opposite side of a fence from the mail carrier, who appears to spray a liquid toward Sugar. The worker later appears to throw an object toward the bird and, in another portion of the video, strike Sugar with an object while the peacock was in front of a mail truck. Sugar then fell over and collapsed.
The U.S. Postal Service said it is investigating the incident and gathering the facts.
“We expect our employees to conduct themselves professionally and appropriately while performing their duties,” the Postal Service said in a statement.
The Postal Service also said employees in the area have had previous encounters with peacocks and that the agency has been working with Pasadena Humane regarding concerns involving the birds.
Sugar is well known in the neighborhood, where residents have said he has roamed for several years and is distinguishable from other peacocks by his all-white plumage.
Pasadena Humane said Monday that because the case remains an open animal-control investigation, it is limited in what it can disclose about the circumstances surrounding Sugar’s injuries.
“We appreciate everyone’s understanding, patience, and concern, and we’ll share additional updates when we’re able,” Pasadena Humane officials said.
The organization’s veterinary and wildlife teams will continue monitoring the bird as he heals.