Feathered friend hope

By Paul Dunlop
A PEACOCK sighted around Bunyip has raised hopes that a muchmissed pet will be found.
The Gazette has received several calls in the wake of our report on the disappearance of beloved peacock Henry.
All point to the probability that he is alive and well — but a long way from home.
Residents in Barr Court and Meeking Drive, Pakenham, were shocked when their regal neighbourhood mascot suddenly disappeared three weeks ago.
A number of people have told the Gazette they’ve seen a peacock in and around Hope Street in Bunyip over the past several days.
Helen and Shane Connor said the peacock they saw was definitely a male and had only recently been sighted in the area.
“I’ve never seen one here before,” Mr Connor said.
“I spotted it first, then the kids and Helen have seen it. It appears to be hanging around in an overgrown area near the cemetery.”
Mrs Connor said she and their children had seen it a number of times and was “100 per cent sure” that the peacock was only new to Bunyip.
Kylie Griffith also contacted the Gazette to say she had seen a peacock in the area.
Henry the peacock had lived happily in the area for almost 15 years before he mysteriously vanished. Only a few broken tail feathers were left to suggest that his disappearance was anything but voluntary.
Jodie Cremore, one of several people anxious about Henry’s disappearance, said she remained hopeful he would be found.
Ms Cremore and other residents feared Henry had been stolen, injured or even killed.
“I just hope he hasn’t been harmed,” she said.
Ms Cremore was heartened by reports of the sightings.
“We’re still hoping against hope someone will see or hear him,” she said.
As previously reported in the Gazette, Ms Cremore and neighbours Julie Smethurst, Bonnie Harris and Peter Harris have made a public plea for Henry to be returned safely to his home.
He has been one of the family for people living in the semirural residential properties nestled alongside the Toomuc Creek since he was brought there by a couple who looked after injured wildlife.
Residents have contacted police, local wildlife parks, veterinarian clinics and other authorities in a bid to track down their beloved bird.
“He’s like part of the family,” Mrs Smethurst said.