How the peacock became a community’s mascot in Souris, Manitoba [Video]

SOURIS, Man. –

Jim Ludlam might be considered a jack-of-all-trades in Souris, Man.

The 85-year-old spends his days maintaining a local church, tending to flower beds in a park and making sure town equipment is gassed up.

But his decades caring for the small community’s main attraction has earned him the affectionate nickname “peacock man.”

Ludlam and his wife were instrumental in bringing peacocks to the southwestern Manitoba town in 1984. At the time, a pair were introduced to the bird sanctuary at Victoria Park.

“They’re very attractive. I always felt that it would be a tourist attraction, and there are people who come far and wide to see these birds,” Ludlam said in an interview.

Over the years, the colourful creature has become the de facto town mascot.

Souris mayor Duane Davison looks up at a large metal Peacock structure in Souris, Man., Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (John Woods/The Canadian Press)

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