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The Saga of Pale Male Continues
By
Jen Chung
Published Dec 10, 2004
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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By
Jen Chung
Published Dec 10, 2004
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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The debate about whether or not a Fifth Avenue co-op should have removed the nest of red-tailed hawks, which are protected species, rages on. Co-op board members, including Paula Zahn and her husband Richard Cohen whose the president (list of co-op board members from Curbed), were faced with protesters across from the apartment building, some holding signs saying "Ebenezer Zahn." Many tenants refuse to comment about the situation that has booted out beloved hawk Pale Male, his common-law partner Lola, and other hawks, worried that Cohen's wrath will "will come down on them." However, one woman who lives near the building was happy to say, "Those lousy people should all drop dead except Mary Tyler Moore [who live in 927 but is extremely angry about the nest removal]." New Yorkers love finding a cause they can rally around, and when rich Upper East Siders are the "villains," it's that much easier.
The Fish and Wildlife Services is trying to work out a plan with 927 Fifth, suggesting the building create a larger platform for a nest. And Pale Male was seen circling The Carlyle Hotel, the Madison at 76th hotel whose manager James McBride told the Daily News, "He's very welcome, but has yet to order room service." Gothamist is very confident that a hotel of The Carlyle's stature (rates go from $550 to $5000) could easily serve freshly killed pigeon to Pale Male and his family. Whether or not the staff would feed the pigeon to the babies, via regurgitation, is another question.
The NY Times had a pro-Pale Male editorial and the Post has a conservationist explain that needing to build a new nest may affect Pale Male's breeding ability. Plus our readers debate the issue.
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Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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