The search for a mate is as old as life itself, where the birds perform beautiful dances and frogs croak love songs at night. The desire to find a partner drives much of animal behavior that often leads them across miles of terrain and sometimes into strange, risky places. Even the most solitary creatures seek companionship, especially during mating season.
But few love stories are as chaotic yet adorable as that of Rosie, a lone turkey from Roosevelt Island in New York. Unlike the usual calm courtship rituals seen in the wild, Rosie has turned her search for love into a full-blown city adventure, determined to find a mate, she’s left the comfort of her island home
Rosie is now something of a celebrity for the city of New York, who fled her coop on Roosevelt Island in a lovesick mood to find a male turkey. According to the New York Post, she’s been spotted wandering the streets of Manhattan, making loud mating calls, and stirring up confusion among drivers and pedestrians. With no other turkeys nearby, her quest for love has taken an urban edge.
Rosie’s search for love has caused a mayhem in Midtown
Rosie’s search through Midtown Manhattan has caused traffic jams, alarmed residents, and even led the people to make 911 calls. Citizens reported her walking directly into traffic and climbing onto balconies. “One turkey in one tree, 20 policemen are here to save the turkey. You gotta love it. It’s New York,” joked one woman who called 911, as reported by the New York Post.
As many as 15 NYPD officers attempted to catch her, and then Rosie flew over a police van and disappeared again. She’s fast, agile, and apparently not ready to settle down just yet.
Rosie is not new to the area
According to wildlife experts, she first migrated from Astoria to Midtown before settling in Roosevelt Island about a year ago. Since then, she’s evaded multiple attempts to be relocated. Rita McMahon, director of the Wild Bird Fund, told the New York Post, “She’s a very capable bird. I think she’ll figure it out.”
McMahon added, “But we’re not going to risk killing her just to catch her… She stays cool and calm until someone tries to chase her.”
Wildlife officials now believe the best course of action is simply to let Rosie be and find her course to the destination.
McMahon explained that once Rosie realises that Manhattan offers little in terms of clean water, food, or eligible Toms, she’ll likely return to Roosevelt Island. Unfortunately for her, most of New York City’s turkey population lives far away, in places like the Bronx and Staten Island.
But few love stories are as chaotic yet adorable as that of Rosie, a lone turkey from Roosevelt Island in New York. Unlike the usual calm courtship rituals seen in the wild, Rosie has turned her search for love into a full-blown city adventure, determined to find a mate, she’s left the comfort of her island home
Rosie is now something of a celebrity for the city of New York, who fled her coop on Roosevelt Island in a lovesick mood to find a male turkey. According to the New York Post, she’s been spotted wandering the streets of Manhattan, making loud mating calls, and stirring up confusion among drivers and pedestrians. With no other turkeys nearby, her quest for love has taken an urban edge.
400 E 56th St Astoria the female turkey on the loose looking for a mate! She resides alone on Roosevelt Island. Word is leave her alone and not to call authorities, it is traumatizing the sweet bird. #nycturkey pic.twitter.com/rWarcF4nDG
— Jane Drake Hale (@YogaSun) April 16, 2025
Rosie’s search for love has caused a mayhem in Midtown
Rosie’s search through Midtown Manhattan has caused traffic jams, alarmed residents, and even led the people to make 911 calls. Citizens reported her walking directly into traffic and climbing onto balconies. “One turkey in one tree, 20 policemen are here to save the turkey. You gotta love it. It’s New York,” joked one woman who called 911, as reported by the New York Post.
As many as 15 NYPD officers attempted to catch her, and then Rosie flew over a police van and disappeared again. She’s fast, agile, and apparently not ready to settle down just yet.
🦃BREAKING | Feathered Fugitive Found
— Citizen NYC (@CitizenAppNYC) April 16, 2025
Citizen App video shows puzzled officers face off with a wild turkey at Honey Locust Park. An unconfirmed source says the turkey is named Astoria, or Rosie, and is a resident of Roosevelt Island. pic.twitter.com/Jbyrd18r2N
Rosie is not new to the area
According to wildlife experts, she first migrated from Astoria to Midtown before settling in Roosevelt Island about a year ago. Since then, she’s evaded multiple attempts to be relocated. Rita McMahon, director of the Wild Bird Fund, told the New York Post, “She’s a very capable bird. I think she’ll figure it out.”
Back together again 🥰 Finally a face to face with Astoria, the wild turkey who has captured the hearts of New Yorkers. More today on @abc7ny see how police tried to catch her, it didn’t go as planned 😂 @BirdCentralPark pic.twitter.com/cIlL9pBYAF
— Kemberly Richardson (@kemrichardson7) April 16, 2025
McMahon added, “But we’re not going to risk killing her just to catch her… She stays cool and calm until someone tries to chase her.”
Wildlife officials now believe the best course of action is simply to let Rosie be and find her course to the destination.
McMahon explained that once Rosie realises that Manhattan offers little in terms of clean water, food, or eligible Toms, she’ll likely return to Roosevelt Island. Unfortunately for her, most of New York City’s turkey population lives far away, in places like the Bronx and Staten Island.
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