Source: Zoo Ave

A columbiform bird that was apprehended by corrections officers as it attempted to smuggle drugs into prison will perform community service at a wildlife rescue center in Costa Rica.

The avian specimen, which goes by the alias Narcopaloma (narco-pigeon) has been remanded to the custody of Rescate Animal Zoo Ave, a rescue and rehabilitation center in La Garita, province of Alajuela.

On October 7th, officials from Zoo Ave announced Narcopaloma’s sentence in a Facebook update:

The pigeon that was admitted weeks ago in Zoo Ave after being arrested by prison officials at La Reforma (Costa Rica’s main prison) can now accept visits by the public.

Thankfully, this bird is healthy and is now in permanent exhibit along with other exotic birds that have also been rescued.

Unfortunately, this pigeon cannot be released to the wild because it is not a species native to Costa Rica, and also because of the domesticated training it has received. We hope that this pigeon serves as an example of what happens when the actions selfish humans effectively sentence an animal to spend its days behind bars.

Upon admission at Zoo Ave, the pigeon’s health was evaluated. An accumulation of hardened excrement caused by a drug-filled device inserted into the bird’s entrails was detected an alleviated. Other than that unpleasant issue, the friendly bird seemed to be in good health.

Narcopaloma had apparently been trained as a carrier pigeon for the clandestine purpose of smuggling drugs into La Reforma, where many pigeons make their roost and interact with inmates who feed them.

Due to the international media attention that the Narcopaloma case has attracted, Zoo Ave officials explain that it has become a popular attraction at the rescue center, which is funded by revenue collected from admissions, gift shop sales, donations, and research grants. While at Zoo Ave, Narcopaloma will entertain visitors, who will learn about the life conditions of this animal prior to its confinement.

Zoo Ave routinely rescues and rehabilitates the numerous wildlife species of Costa Rica, and many of the animals rehabilitated are able to return to their habitats. Those that are not able to return to the wild, such as Narcopaloma, live in a healthy and comfortable forest ecosystem at the center, or in spaces managed by biologists and zoology technicians.