It’s not every day that New Yorkers hear about a pigeon delivery service for cannabis. But when a luxury Manhattan dispensary announced it was launching a fleet of 20 courier pigeons to transport gram-sized bags across the city, the internet couldn’t stop cooing. The only problem? The so-called pigeon delivery plan was completely fake.
The Travel Agency, a high-end cannabis shop based in the Big Apple, unveiled its quirky pigeon delivery concept last week with flashy videos and press statements promising a full rollout by 2026. “As The Travel Agency, it’s only natural we’d explore all modalities of travel for our delivery service, even pigeons,” said co-founder Arana Hankin-Biggers. “Being in NYC, we thought there’s no better courier than the ever-present and beloved pigeon.”
The dispensary’s social media channels showcased the alleged pigeon delivery operation in Downtown Brooklyn, featuring “training sessions,” handlers, and even footage of pigeons “walking their delivery paths.” However, insiders revealed to The Post that the pigeon delivery idea was actually a clever marketing stunt a way to get people talking about The Travel Agency’s real, more traditional delivery options.
Despite the lighthearted nature of the campaign, the fake pigeon delivery announcement didn’t land well with everyone. Animal welfare activists were quick to cry foul, criticizing the dispensary for using pigeons as props in a hoax. “Even if it is a joke, it’s upsetting to conceptualize exploiting pigeons like this,” said Megan Walton of the Pigeons for Miles sanctuary. “How long were they used? Where did they come from? It’s just not funny.”
Walton expressed concern that the pigeon delivery stunt mocked a history of animal exploitation, noting that pigeons were once relied upon for wartime messaging and communication. “People already overlook pigeons,” she added. “
In response, The Travel Agency defended its pigeon delivery campaign, saying that animal safety was a top priority.
The company stated that every part of the pigeon delivery shoot was overseen by certified handlers and representatives from SOS Safety On Sets© Animal Services, ensuring the birds were treated humanely.
Even though the pigeon delivery was never real, it achieved its purpose sparking massive buzz and coverage from outlets like Time Out, Brooklyn Eagle, and Fox 5 New York. Promotional posters showing “cannabis carrier pigeons” in tiny backpacks made the stunt even more believable.
At the end of the day, this pigeon delivery scheme proves one thing: in a city that’s seen everything, even a fake flock can still make headlines.