The $1.4 Million Pigeon

Animal racing continues to split society in two. The ethics of betting on animals is questioned, especially in horse racing events in the UK and bullfighting in Spain. For this post, I would like to dig deep into the unusual world of pigeon racing and how a racing pigeon called Armando managed to fetch a hefty price tag at an auction. How much, do you ask? How about $1.4 million!

Armando

Armando isn't your average pigeon, as his price suggests; he's a legendary avian superstar in the high-stakes and fiercely competitive world of pigeon racing. Armando, dubbed the "greatest long-distance pigeon of all time," has won numerous races in his native Belgium, including first place in the 2018 National Ace Pigeon Long Distance KBDB. He's also quite striking once you've cleared your head of any images of filthy New York birds. Armando's physique is sleek and aerodynamic, and his wings fold out as neatly as aeroplane fins from his body.

The Community

Those involved in the pigeon racing industry worldwide had been waiting with bated breath to see how much someone would pay for Armando at the auction. Jol Verschoot, a retired slaughterhouse manager whose windfall stands as his most impressive achievement, conducted the online competitive sale on behalf of the pigeon's previous owner. After getting beyond the novelty of an economy centred on pigeons, it's simple to understand how pigeon racing is akin to more well-known sports like horse racing, which stretches back to Ancient Greece. When a horse's racing career is coming to an end (because of age or injury), it's in his owner's best interest to try to breed him. Although it's an inexact science, champions' progeny are regarded to be likely champions as well. Pigeon racing, which initially became a sport in the late 19th century after homing pigeons trained to carry messages imported from Europe to the United States, follows the same pattern.

Why so much?

Armando was bought for such a high price partly because he is five years old, concluding his reign as a top contender. Because of his impeccable reputation, he'll be bred with a female pigeon shortly, and his children will be pretty valued. Given the popularity of pigeon racing among China's wealthiest inhabitants, it's hardly surprising that Armando's new owner thought he was worth the money.

As I have been living in the UK for most of my life, I have had my fair share of strange animal sporting events and have even met trained racing pigeons on farms in the north of England. There is something different about them when you see them up close – more streamlined and sleeker, almost muscular. I once hoped that a random street pigeon would choose me as its friend and sit on my shoulder. If that would ever happen and became a champion racing pigeon, I wouldn't have the heart to separate from it. I am quick to get attached, so I may not make the best pigeon racer. I think I'll stick to the arts.

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