Petit Ami (“Petey”) was brought to CWR after being shot in the wing, rendering her unable to fly.
Named in honor of the wartime messenger dove Cher Ami, she now is a resident and serves as a calm and gentle ambassador.
PETIT AMI
Petey, as we call her, is named after the WWI war hero Cher Ami, and her story carries that same spirit of resilience. She came to CWR after being found unable to fly with what looked like a simple wing injury. During her exam, we learned the truth: Petey had been shot.
She healed, but she never regained the use of her wing, meaning she couldn’t return to the life of a city pigeon. What she did keep, though, was her calm, steady personality. Because of that gentle temperament, we knew she had the potential to become something very special.
Today, Petey is one of our ambassador birds. She joins our educators, Hayley and Cassie, at children’s camps, where kids get to paint her portrait while learning about wildlife, compassion, and second chances.
AMBASSADOR LIFE
Petey also visits schools and community centers as part of Wings That Won the War, a program that honors the animals who served and sacrificed during World War I—just like the brave Cher Ami she was named after.
Petey’s life started with fear and uncertainty. Now it’s filled with purpose, connection, and a lot of love. Her wings may not fly anymore, but her story reaches further than ever.
Though commonly called a pigeon, Petit Ami is a Rock Dove (Columba livia), a social and intelligent species known for strong homing instincts, gentle temperaments, and lifelong bonds. Rock Doves have lived alongside humans for thousands of years and thrive in the company of others.
If you’d like to learn more about Rock Doves and what’s involved in keeping doves, [learn more here].
Ambassador Petit Ami embodies the heart of CWR’s Wings That Won the War program—honoring survivors, protecting permanent residents, and ensuring their care for life.
