New Yorkers have spoken, and this time they’re rallying behind a 16-foot-tall pigeon. After 18 months of viral stardom perched above the High Line, Dinosaur–the colossal, hyper-realistic bird that somehow became one of NYC’s most beloved residents–now has fans petitioning to make it permanent. Because in a city that idolizes hot dog carts and bodega cats, why wouldn’t we immortalize the pigeon that reminded us who really runs these streets?!
When Dinosaur first touched down on the High Line in October 2024, New Yorkers weren’t exactly sure what to think. But it didn’t take long for the towering bird to win us over. Soon enough, she became the city’s favorite oversized resident–so beloved, in fact, that she even inspired NYC’s first-ever full-blown pigeon impersonation pageant.
Of course, we always knew Dinosaur couldn’t stick around forever. After 18 months of viral fame, the pigeon is set to make way for Tuan Andrew Nguyen’s upcoming 27-foot-tall sandstone Buddha statue. But as it turns out, New Yorkers are very much not ready to say goodbye.
When we first broke the news on Instagram that Dinosaur would be flying the coop, New Yorkers had thoughts–and none of them were happy ones.
From comments like “DIVA DOWN 💔” and “My shayla 🥺” to “Thank you for your service ma’am, you will be missed 🫡❤️” and straight up “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO,” it was immediately clear: the city is not prepared to part ways with its 16-foot-tall neighbor.
I half-jokingly commented that I was ready to start a petition to keep the pigeon statue exactly where she is–and with 555 likes backing that idea, it was obvious I wasn’t alone. And now? That petition is officially a thing.
Brett Tulip has since created a petition on Change.org calling on the High Line, NYC Parks, and relevant partners to work with the artist to either extend the installation or designate Dinosaur as a permanent piece of public art.
The petition argues that removing the sculpture would “eliminate a piece of art that has already become deeply meaningful to the community in a short period of time,” adding:
The iconic giant art fixture known as “Dinosaur”…is planning to be removed in Spring 2026…The giant pigeon quickly became a well beloved and appreciated staple of the High Line. Keeping watch overlooking 10th Avenue and 30th Street, the pigeon is a symbol of resilience, perseverance, and represents NYC and all it stands for.
As of now, the petition has gathered 92 signatures, with supporters chiming in with comments like “Let’s come together and save Dinosaur!!” and “Completely agree that it needs to stay!”
The current goal is 100 signatures—though Change.org notes that petitions with 1,000+ supporters are five times more likely to succeed.
Will Dinosaur actually get to remain perched above NYC if the petition gains momentum? It’s too soon to say. But one thing’s for sure: New Yorkers aren’t ready to say their goodbyes just yet–and neither are we.
You can sign the petition here.