A poppy-stealing pigeon who was responsible for the disappearance of flowers from the Australian War Memorial has welcomed an adorable little bird.
The Australian War Memorial posted a photo of the new temporary resident resting in a beautiful nest made of poppies by the stained glass windows of the memorial.
The post read: “Earlier in the month we shared a story of a pigeon that had been busy preparing for new life in a place that commemorates death, sacrifice and renewal.”
It added: “Today we are pleased to share a photo of the baby pigeon.”
People working at the memorial were left baffled in October after they noticed the flowers disappearing from an Australian soldier’s tomb.
However, a worker noticed the beautifully crafted nest of poppies next to the stained-glass window.
According to historian Dr. Meleah Hamptom, pigeons were commonly used as messengers during the first and Second World War.
“Whenever we talk about animals in war, they are fulfilling a purpose or performing a task that people can’t do easily on their own,” said Dr. Hampton.
“Particularly in the early wars, communication is really difficult. Wireless is in its absolute infancy in the First world War and telephone wires get broken apart in the shellfire on the Western Front.
“So pigeons are particularly of use in warfare when you’ve got a couple of men trying to get a message from where they are back to the backline; a pigeon can get that through sometimes when nothing else can.”
During the war, two Australian pigeons were awarded the Dickin Medal for their incredible actions.
One internet user commented: “This is just the sweetest story. I’m so glad the Australian War Memorial staff has welcomed the pigeon and her family and are on board with sharing it!”
Another wrote: “Nice to see something different and not just all about crimes. Beautiful.”
A third added: “That story makes me happy, thank you.”
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Replaced!