Officials in New Zealand city seeking owner of loose peacock

Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Officials in a New Zealand city are attempting to find the owner of an exotic bird after a peacock was found taking a stroll down a suburban road.

The Wellington City Council said officials were alerted to a loose peacock in the Newlands area when onlookers snapped photos of the colorful wanderer and posted them to social media.

The peacock, a species of bird native to India, Southeast Asia and Central Africa, was rounded up by authorities and taken to the Moa Point Animal Welfare Center.

Officials said the peacock is friendly with humans and appears to be an escaped pet. They are now appealing for the animal's owner to come forward.

"If it's your peacock, or you know who it might belong to, give us a call on 04 499 4444 so we can get it back home to roost," the city council tweeted.

The peacock's owner has seven days to come forward before the bird is rehomed at a shelter for rescued animals, officials said.