On Friday, August 7th, 2026, UN Geneva received five young peacocks as a gift from India, continuing a longstanding tradition of keeping these birds on the grounds of the Palace of Nations. This practice predates both the United Nations and its predecessor, the League of Nations.

The new arrivals, consisting of four classic blue peafowl and one rare white-feathered male, were introduced during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at a spacious aviary located in Ariana Park, the leafy area surrounding the UN's European headquarters.

UN Geneva Director-General Tatiana Valovaya expressed happiness in welcoming the peacocks, noting their typical United Nations colors of blue and white. She announced that none of the birds have been named yet, but a competition to suggest names will be launched soon. The peacocks will remain in the aviary for three months before being allowed to roam freely within Ariana Park.

Arindam Bagchi, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the UN, described the donation as a privilege for the Indian mission. Dr. Tobias Blaha, Director of Geneva Bioparc, which will oversee the birds' care, said there is every hope the peacocks will enjoy their new habitat, highlighting the area's old trees, shade, flowers, and grass as ideal conditions.

Laetitia Menin, Facilities Management Officer at UN Geneva, explained that since all the peacocks are males hatched this year, they are expected to establish their social hierarchy and remain on the premises even during spring when hormones rise and females are present.

The white peacock, like its blue counterparts, is the national bird of India and has attracted considerable attention from visitors eager to take selfies.

This event marks a symbolic gesture of diplomacy and cultural heritage, linking the present-day United Nations with its historical roots.

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