Meet Astoria, the Wild Turkey Who Took Over Manhattan and Became NYC’s Biggest Star

Every so often, New York City gets a new folk hero — and the latest one has feathers. Astoria, a wild turkey who first turned heads in Queens, has become a full-blown Manhattan celebrity after crossing the East River, surviving a Financial District blizzard and winning the devotion of New Yorkers across the city. For anyone who remembers Zelda, the beloved turkey who ruled Battery Park for over a decade, Astoria’s story feels like a beautiful new chapter for the Big Apple.

How Astoria the Turkey Got Her Start in Queens

The wild turkey was first spotted in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens in April 2024 — the place that would give her a name. She stayed roughly a month before moving on, eventually turning up in Midtown, where birder David Barrett confirmed to ABC what seemed almost too strange to believe.

She reportedly crossed the East River last May. Barrett explained that wild turkeys can fly quickly but only over short distances, comparing them more to sprinters than long-distance flyers. On Roosevelt Island, Barrett visited her and local residents helped look after her. But Astoria wasn’t finished traveling.

Astoria the Turkey’s Wild Manhattan Adventure

On Sunday, Astoria crossed back over the river and has since been spotted on the East Side near 59th Street. Officers who responded were unable to capture her — a detail that would surprise no one who has ever tried to tell a New Yorker where to go. Some people think she may be searching for a mate, as she’s been making a distinctive clucking sound.

“She is doing that so she could be found,” Barrett said.

Her range has been extraordinary. She was seen in Sutton Place, Park Avenue and the area near the SeaGlass Carousel near the Staten Island Ferry terminal. In April 2025, The New York Times reported that Astoria was spotted walking around the Financial District during a blizzard. She appeared to not be bothered by the snow.

The New York Women Who Watch Over Astoria

Among the most tender details of Astoria’s story is the community that formed around her. Three women paid her visits and took care of her, returning day after day to check on the wild bird making her way through the city. Their dedication — right down to worrying about her bedtime — speaks to the kind of quiet New York devotion that turns an animal sighting into a neighborhood ritual.

“I think she likes our company,” one woman said, per NYT.

“I hope she goes to bed early,” a second woman said.

“We still have 30 minutes before bedtime,” a third told the outlet.

Why Astoria the Turkey Reminds New Yorkers of Zelda

For those who remember Zelda, Astoria’s presence at the Battery carries a particular weight. The Instagram account NYC Walking Show posted a video of Astoria in April 2026, showing her walking through Battery Park as spectators watched. The post called her “The New Queen of The Battery” and noted: “For long-time New Yorkers, seeing her feels like a beautiful tribute to Zelda, the famous turkey who ruled this park for over a decade.”

“She’s much loved, Astoria has fans all over Manhattan, all over the world,” Barrett said, per ABC7.

What Wildlife Experts Say About Astoria the Turkey in NYC

Astoria has captured the city’s imagination, but wildlife experts say her presence isn’t quite as unusual as it might seem. Wild turkeys have been spotted in other parts of the city before, and New York’s green spaces provide surprisingly good habitat. Still, Astoria has achieved a level of fame that sets her apart.

“She’s the only known turkey in Manhattan,” said Sunny Corrao, the deputy director of the city parks department’s wildlife unit, “but this is not unusual.” In the past, there was a turkey who was known to hang out in Inwood Hill Park in Upper Manhattan, and smaller groups come and go in Queens and Brooklyn.

“New York City is actually great habitat for a wild turkey,” Jessica Wilson, the executive director of NYC Bird Alliance, said. She added: “They often join flocks, but they also are fine on their own — and in general, we try not to interfere with their social life.”

Corrao urged New Yorkers not to feed wildlife. “We don’t want them to associate people with food because then they’ll get close, and they may approach a person that’s not comfortable with them,” she said. “Also, their diet is very specific to each animal.”

Just Enjoy Astoria the Turkey While She’s Here

Andy Eller was walking by as Astoria plotted her route. He had never seen Astoria before.

“She’s gorgeous,” Eller said. “She’s very polite, just kind of minding her own business.”

Experts believe she will eventually make it back home to Roosevelt Island, but until then, they say just let her be and observe from a distance.

“Just enjoy her miraculous presence in Manhattan,” Barrett said.

This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.