A growing online petition is calling on city officials and the High Line to keep the towering pigeon sculpture known as “Dinosaur” in place permanently, as the popular artwork is set to be removed in the coming weeks after an 18-month run.
More than 5,000 people had signed the petition as of Sunday afternoon.
The 21-foot-tall aluminum pigeon overlooking the High Line Spur at 30th Street and 10th Avenue, by Colombian artist Iván Argote, has challenged New Yorkers to reevaluate their distaste for the bird.
And it seems to have worked. A send-off event for “Dinosaur” over the weekend drew such large crowds that organizers said they could not guarantee entry for walk-up visitors after RSVPs filled up.
Argote attended the event and signed posters, while visitors took part in trivia and bingo hosted by the winner of a pigeon impersonation contest.
Supporters of the petition say the sculpture has become a beloved symbol of the city.
One person wrote it is “a perfect embodiment of NYC spirit,” while another called it “my favorite art on the High Line” that “always makes me smile.”
Others were more blunt, writing simply: “Keep the pigeon!!!”