Lexington, Kentucky, September 28, 2025
News Summary
An exotic diamond dove, native to Australia, was rescued in Lexington after being found near a dumpster outside Sir Pizza. The bird is now receiving care from Lexington Fayette-Animal Care & Control with hopes of recovery. LFACC is looking to reunite the dove with its owner, while an employee from the restaurant has shown interest in adopting it if not claimed. The incident highlights the care required for exotic pets and the importance of responsible ownership.
Lexington, Kentucky has become the temporary home for an exotic diamond dove, a bird native to Australia, which was rescued after being found in poor condition outside Sir Pizza on New Circle Road. The discovery was made by two employees who found the bird near a dumpster, which raised immediate concerns about its health and safety.
Officials from Lexington Fayette-Animal Care & Control (LFACC) have taken charge of the dove and are providing care with the assistance of a bird expert. The dove is currently recuperating, and officials express optimism about its recovery, given that it is receiving expert attention.
The diamond dove, typically kept as a pet due to its small size and attractive appearance, is believed to have escaped from a local home. This particular bird is small, adorned with a dark gray coat featuring distinctive white specks, and has reddish eye rings, which are more pronounced in males. Diamond doves are cherished by enthusiasts for their gentle cooing sounds and their elegant stature.
LFACC is actively seeking to reunite the bird with its owner and is urging anyone who recognizes the dove to get in touch with their Animal Services department at 859-255-9033 extension 233. In an interesting turn of events, one of the employees from Sir Pizza has expressed a desire to adopt the dove should its owner not come forward.
This species is not native to Kentucky and usually inhabits desert regions in Australia. According to David Stephenson, an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky, the bird displayed signs of exhaustion, suggesting it likely made its escape from an owner’s cage or aviary.
The incident has garnered attention as it highlights the care that exotic birds require and the potential for them to escape from their homes. With the support of LFACC, the diamond dove is receiving the necessary care to help it recover while authorities hope to trace its owner soon.
The diamond dove’s popularity as a pet is attributed to several features, including their manageable size, stunning visuals, and gentle nature. The ongoing efforts by LFACC exemplify the community’s commitment to animal welfare and the importance of responsible pet ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a diamond dove?
A diamond dove is a small bird species native to Australia, known for its attractive appearance, characterized by a gray coat with white specks and pronounced reddish eye rings in males.
How was the diamond dove found?
The dove was discovered by two employees near a dumpster outside Sir Pizza on New Circle Road in Lexington, Kentucky, in poor health and condition.
What is being done to help the dove?
The dove is currently being cared for by Lexington Fayette-Animal Care & Control (LFACC) and is under the supervision of a bird expert to aid its recovery.
What should I do if I recognize the dove?
If you recognize the dove or believe it might be yours, you are encouraged to contact LFACC’s Animal Services at 859-255-9033 extension 233.
Why are diamond doves kept as pets?
Diamond doves are popular pets due to their small size, beautiful appearance, gentle nature, and soft cooing sounds.
Key Features of Diamond Doves
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Small, making them ideal for pet owners. |
| Appearance | Dark gray coat with white specks, reddish eye rings in males. |
| Sounds | Gentle cooing, appealing behavior. |
| Habitat | Native to desert areas in Australia, not native to Kentucky. |
| Popularity | Commonly kept as pets due to their beauty and demeanor. |
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Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
