PETA Asks University of Oregon to Honor Photobombing Pigeon With New Video Spoof
Group Wants to Debut New Tongue-in-Cheek Attack of the Pigeons! Video Short at UCLA Bruins Game
For Immediate Release:
October 23, 2013
Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382
Eugene, Ore. — A feathered fan of the No.3 University of Oregon’s football team—a pigeon dubbed “Timothy,” who apparently enjoys blocking one of the school’s stadium cameras—has prompted PETA to ask the team to promote respect for all pigeons by posing a scary proposition. In a letter sent to the school’s athletic director today, PETA asks the university to debut PETA’s tongue-in-cheek Attack of the Pigeons! video short (available for preview here) on the Jumbotron during the Ducks’ next home game against the No.12 UCLA Bruins on October 26. The video, shot like a kitschy B horror movie, playfully takes a look at what life would be like for humans if pigeons treated humans the way that some members of our species treat them.
“Timothy the Pigeon’s popularity creates the perfect opportunity to push for compassion for all our feathered friends,” says PETA Special Projects Manager Alicia Woempner. “PETA’s video is a quirky way to point out that it’s not nice to harass pigeons, who are gentle, attentive parents who mate for life and only want to be left alone to raise their families—and maybe take in a ball game or two.”
For more information, please visit PETA.org.
PETA’s letter to Rob Mullens follows.
October 23, 2013
Rob Mullens
Athletic DirectorUniversity of Oregon
Dear Mr. Mullens,
I’m writing as a University of Oregon (UO) alumnus on behalf of PETA and our more than 3 million members and supporters—including thousands across the state of Oregon—with a request related to your newest feathered fan, Timothy the pigeon. We weren’t surprised to hear that Timothy was watching Ducks’ football practices. Pigeons are highly complex, loyal, and intelligent animals, and, in Timothy’s honor, we hope you will air our humorous new video Attack of the Pigeons! on the Jumbotron at UO’s next home game.
Seeing humans chase, shoo, and harass pigeons really ruffles our (and their) feathers, so we made this tongue-in-cheek video to show what might happen if the tables were turned and the birds attacked back. Since pigeons can fly as fast as 60 miles per hour and possess outstanding navigational abilities, their revenge on those who’ve committed a fowl against them could be a real nightmare.
Playing our video on the Jumbotron at your next home game would have Ducks fans cheering for pigeons, too, and help UO students, alumni, and supporters understand the importance of respecting these highly social, loyal, and athletic birds such as Timothy, who should be allowed to live in peace. Thank you for your time and consideration—and go, Ducks!
Sincerely,
Tracy Reiman
Executive Vice President
PETA
