Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. One of New York City’s own churches says goodbye to its beloved resident peacocks and marks the occasion with an official bird retirement party.
This Saturday, January 21, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, in collaboration with the Cathedral School and Advancing the Community of Tomorrow (ACT), will host a carnival honoring its beloved feathered animals, reports Untapped New York.
Jim, Harry and Phil, which are the official names of the peacocks, have been roaming the church grounds for over 20 years and were originally gifted to the Cathedral by students from the Cathedral School. Due to their advanced age, the animals now need more attention and assistance. They will find a new home at Animal Nation, an animal sanctuary in South Salem, New York, where they will happily spend their retirement years.
To honor the long tenure of the peacocks at the Cathedral, the carnival will welcome New Yorkers of all ages for appropriate celebrations from 12 to 4 pm Including activities such as art workshops, face painting, storytelling and contests. costumes, the event will be the last chance to say goodbye to Jim, Harry and Phil, and there will even be a special farewell ceremony at 4 pm.
The cathedral is located at 1047 Amsterdam Avenue in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, a short walk from the B, C, and 1 trains.