In a symbolic gesture honoring diplomatic history and biodiversity, India has gifted five young Indian peacocks—including a rare white-feathered male—to the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG).
The donation was formally presented by India’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Arindam Bagchi, to UNOG Director-General Tatiana Valovaya during a special ceremony held at the historic Ariana Park estate.
Diplomatic & Ecological Significance
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Reviving Historical Legacy: This marks India’s second official gift of peacocks to Geneva. The tradition began in 1981, when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi sent a breeding pair from the Delhi Zoo.
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UN Color Symbolism: The flock includes four blue peafowl and one white male, subtly echoing the iconic blue and white identity of the United Nations.
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Historic Habitat: Peacocks have inhabited the 46-hectare Ariana Park since 1890, when Swiss art collector Gustave Revilliod bequeathed the grounds to Geneva with the mandate that peacocks must roam freely on the estate.
Key Details of the Handover
| Feature | Details |
| Donated Birds | 5 Peacocks (4 Blue Peafowl, 1 Rare White Male) |
| Diplomatic Representatives | Arindam Bagchi (India) & Tatiana Valovaya (UNOG) |
| Location | Ariana Park, UN Office at Geneva (UNOG) |
| Acclimatization Period | 3 months in an enclosed habitat before free roaming |
| Veterinary Supervision | Overseen by Geneva Bioparc Zoo & UN grounds staff |
