White Peacocks

When visiting Staverden you should definitely take a look at the White Peacocks .

The white peacocks of #Staverden are known nationwide. The animals have a beautiful pure white plumage. White peacocks have dark eyes and are therefore not albinos. The peacock has a large and long tail. Especially in spring during mating or courtship time, it is spread wide to show off.

As early as 1400, white peacocks were kept on Staverden. Because of this centuries-old tradition, Staverden is also known as the pauwenburght. The estate was then the court of the Dukes of Gelderland. The estate was loaned to various noble families with the obligation to supply the white peacock feathers as decoration of the Duke's helmet. Geldersch Landschap continues this tradition. Instead of the Duke, the Queen's Commissioner is now offered the peacock feathers and now adorns a vase in the provincial house.

The current population of peacocks has been around thirty in recent years. The animals are not trimmed and sleep in the trees at night. On the ground, they are vulnerable to foxes in the dark. Especially the younger animals, which sometimes sleep too low in the trees, often fall prey to the fox. Foxes even manage to climb over the fence with loot and all. Although they rarely do this, the peacocks can fly effortlessly over the fencing. Only in courtship there is quite a bit of unrest and the cockerels go exploring.

The white peacocks of Staverden are a living proof of gelderland's rich history. Geldersch Landschap is committed to the preservation of geldersch heritage. Caring for rare and old-fashioned pet breeds is part of this. If you share the care for gelderland's heritage, know that your support is very welcome.

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