West Hartford’s Jaywalking Turkey ‘Relieved of Her Post’
Audio By Carbonatix
A turkey biologist from DEEP, with the help of West Hartford Animal Control, captured a turkey on Tuesday that had been wandering through traffic in Bishops Corner. West Hartford Animal Control photo
West Hartford Animal Control said the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection safely captured the turkey in Bishops Corner on Tuesday.
By Ronni Newton
West Hartford’s jaywalking turkey ran “a-fowl” of motorists one too many times, and on Tuesday was removed from the busy Bishops Corner area to ensure the safety of both the turkey and the public.
“After a long year of dedicated ‘traffic control’ duties, our infamous local turkey has officially been relieved of her post … and no, she did not submit a two-week notice,” stated the anonymous author of the engaging and hilarious Facebook posts for West Hartford Animal Control.
Animal Control officials said last week that they were in consultation with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) turkey biologist, who ultimately decided to capture the turkey who had often been seen near or actually in the intersections of Albany Avenue with Trout Brook Drive or North Main Street, and – according to a previous Animal Control Facebook post – “ignores traffic signals, walks like it owns the roadway, makes eye contact with drivers like you’re the problem, has absolutely zero concern for rush hour.”
The turkey, confirmed as a female, Animal Control said, stressing that she was not euthanized. “She is alive, well, and still judging all of you,” the Facebook post said.
The turkey has been relocated, to an undisclosed place in Connecticut. Animal Control Supervisor Kim Gulino declined to share the location, but told We-Ha.com that the turkey is now wearing a band courtesy of the turkey biologist. “She’ll be living her best life in another part of the state,” Gulino said.
Tuesday’s Facebook post noted that the turkey – who goes by “Wishbone” as well as various other nicknames assigned by local residents – spent her last year as a full-time “employee” presiding over the two major Bishops Corner intersections of Albany Avenue and North Main Street as well as Trout Brook Drive. “Serving proudly as our:
Unofficial crossing guard- Traffic supervisor
- Occasional roadblock
- And clearly… the strictest driving instructor in town.”
Traffic supervisor
Occasional roadblock
And clearly… the strictest driving instructor in town.”- Turn signals are NOT optional
- Speed limits are NOT suggestions
- And stopping for pedestrians… should not require a 15-second internal debate.
On a serious note, Animal Control thanked the public for consistently reporting the sighting of the turkey and appreciating the importance of public and animal safety. “Your persistence truly made a difference – without it, this situation could have continued much longer.”
Animal Control also thanked DEEP for safely resolving the situation. While the turkey and her antics will be missed, Animal Control said, “Drive safe… she may be off duty, but her standards remain high.”
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