July 28, 2020: Fourth Update to Temporary Closure of Morcom Rose Garden
On June 18, 2020, consistent with the Oakland Animal Service’s original request and community-led outreach, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the agency charged with regulating wildlife in the state, approved the relocation of the male turkey from the Morcom Rose Garden.
In July 2020, CDFW staff made several attempts to capture the turkey, relying primarily on trapping using food attractive to turkeys. The park is full of accessible food, including evidence of human feeding, so this effort has been ended.
CDFW has now authorized staff from Oakland Animal Services to continue the effort, with a plan for CDFW to transport the turkey to a local wild area that has minimal human access and no access to hunters. This effort is ongoing.
As soon as the turkey is safely removed, the park will reopen immediately.
In the hopes of preventing another such situation, we will continue to work with our park volunteers, neighbors and visitors to educate everyone on the dangers of feeding wildlife.
June 19, 2020: Third Update to Temporary Closure of Morcom Rose Garden
On June 18, 2020, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the agency charged with regulating wildlife in the state, approved the relocation of the male turkey from the Morcom Rose Garden.
This reversal of an earlier decision against the City’s request for relocation came about largely as the result of a community-led effort. CDFW will move the turkey to a location in the Oakland hills.
While it appeared that the human feeding had stopped, and the retraining efforts were having some positive impact, reports of attacks continued. The City recognizes the strong desire of many people for this turkey to remain in the park, but had to weigh that against the ongoing threat to public safety.
As soon as the turkey is safely removed, the park will reopen immediately.
In the hopes of preventing another such situation, we will continue to work with our park volunteers, neighbors and visitors to educate everyone on the dangers of feeding wildlife.
June 4, 2020: Second Update to Temporary Closure of Morcom Rose Garden
On June 3, 2020, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the agency charged with regulating wildlife in the state, approved a depredation permit to remove a male turkey from the Morcom Rose Garden. The City is not currently proceeding with depredation and considers the removal, and humane euthanasia, a last resort.
After hearing from numerous people from the neighborhood who had witnessed or experienced attacks by the turkey, including of young children and seniors, the City temporarily closed the Rose Garden out of concern for public safety.
The turkey, and other wildlife in the park, had been fed by humans, which is believed to have contributed to many animals in the park becoming habituated to people, or losing the natural instincts to keep their distance from people. The feeding may also have contributed to the male turkey becoming more aggressive. CDFW has advised its essential that all feeding stop for the well-being of the wildlife that remain in the park.
The City continues to explore options, and with support from CDFW, Animal Control Officers from Oakland Animal Services were trained to work with the turkey to attempt to train him to revert to natural behaviors. This training is ongoing.
The situation resulted in strong feelings from Oakland neighbors and residents, with some in favor of protecting the turkey and others removing him. One neighbor repeatedly threatened to kill the turkey and was seen more than once trying to harm him. Ultimately, the City’s decision to proceed with the depredation permit was made after advice from CDFW and out of concern for the turkey and protecting the health and safety of our park visitors.
For now, the Rose Garden will remain closed for up to two additional two weeks, and Animal Control Officers will continue efforts to retrain the turkey with the hope that he may remain in the park. If it is determined that the retraining efforts have failed, humane euthanasia may be the only remaining option.
In the hopes of preventing another such situation, we will continue to work with our park volunteers, neighbors and visitors to educate everyone on the dangers of feeding wildlife.
Update May 30, 2020:
Oakland’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Youth Development, Department of Public Works, and Oakland Animal Services have collaborated on the decision to temporarily close the Morcom Rose Garden.
The City is aware of and is taking seriously several incidents of attacks by a male turkey in the park and considers this a public safety concern.
Wildlife is regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). CDFW has denied the City’s request to relocate the turkey, indicating that is not a solution, nor allowed by State law. The City has reported to CDFW the incidents of attacks on humans.
Currently, the City has been instructed by CDFW to keep the park closed, to prevent feeding of wildlife, and to attempt to train the turkey to keep distance from humans. We have been advised this will only work if all feeding of the turkeys and other wildlife stops completely.
It is hoped that visitors can return to the Rose Garden soon. The City will continue to abide by California State law and will follow CDFW instructions regarding when the park may reopen.
Learn more about the dangers and consequences of feeding wildlife here.
Posted May 23, 2020:
Oakland’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Youth Development has temporarily closed the Morcom Rose Garden to provide some time and space to work to prevent human – wildlife conflicts. We understand there is a family of turkeys in the park and the male has become aggressive toward humans. We also understand that some humans have been feeding the birds regularly in the park.
Out of concern for the public safety and the turkeys’ well-being, Oakland Animal Services, working closely with the Parks Department, has contacted the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for guidance and support.
Following the State’s Keep Me Wild campaign, the City is asking people to please stay out of the park, to respect the prohibition against walking dogs in the park, and to never feed wildlife of any type. In the meanwhile, Oakland Animal Services will work with the Department of Fish and Wildlife on opportunities to help retrain the turkeys and will work to educate our residents.
As has been seen across the globe, the retreat of humans as they shelter in place has led to an increase in the visibility of wildlife in urban areas. The City of Oakland respects the rights of wild animals to inhabit their natural homes and encourages all Oaklanders to support the right of our wild residents to remain wild.
Learn more about helping wild turkeys here and take a look at a useful handout here.
