Releasing doves at weddings is often seen as a symbol of love, peace, and new beginnings, but for the birds themselves, the story can take a very different turn once they’re set free. Many of the doves used in ceremonies are domesticated white pigeons bred for appearance, not survival.
Unlike wild pigeons, they lack the instincts to find food, shelter, or navigate long distances. Once released, these birds often struggle to adapt to life outside captivity, facing dangers from predators, traffic, and exhaustion.
While the gesture may look beautiful, the aftermath can be heartbreaking for the animals involved.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from animal welfare and wildlife rehabilitation sources. Always consult licensed professionals before participating in or organising any animal-related event. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
They Struggle To Survive In The Wild
Domesticated doves used in wedding releases lack the survival skills wild birds possess. Unlike their wild cousins that instinctively know how to find food and water, these doves depend entirely on humans for care.
When released, they suddenly face unfamiliar environments where seeds and clean water may be scarce. Their lack of foraging experience leaves them vulnerable to starvation within days.
In urban settings, their situation worsens as they must navigate traffic, pollution, and aggressive city birds competing for limited food sources. With no understanding of predators or safe nesting spots, many don’t survive long after release.
They Often Fall Victim To Predators
Cats, hawks, owls, and other predators easily target domesticated doves. These birds are bred for beauty and calm temperament, not for agility or defensive instincts.
Their white plumage, while stunning in photos, makes them highly visible against most natural backdrops. This increases their risk of being spotted by predators significantly.
Without the ability to recognize or escape danger, many are caught within hours of being released. Their gentle breeding leaves them defenceless against natural threats they’ve never encountered before.
They Can Suffer From Exhaustion And Injury
Doves used in ceremonies are not trained for long-distance flight. Many have weak muscles from living in cages or aviaries, leaving them unprepared for extended journeys.
Once released, they may fly aimlessly and become disoriented and exhausted. Without a proper sense of direction or the stamina to travel far, they often crash into windows, vehicles, or buildings.
Injured birds may die from wounds, dehydration, or exposure if not rescued quickly. Their physical condition deteriorates rapidly when faced with the demands of flight and navigation.
They Risk Starvation And Dehydration
Even when they avoid predators, doves struggle to find safe, consistent food sources. Their diet in captivity consists of specific seeds and grains that they may not recognize in the wild.
Combined with the challenge of finding uncontaminated water, this often leads to dehydration and malnutrition. Over a few days, their physical strength declines rapidly.
This leaves them unable to fly or defend themselves properly. The transition from a controlled feeding schedule to foraging proves too difficult for most domesticated birds to manage successfully.
They Rarely Make It Home
While some bird release companies use trained homing pigeons that can return to their lofts, others use ordinary domesticated doves. Homing pigeons are selectively bred and conditioned to navigate long distances through careful training.
However, even they can become disoriented if released far from home or during poor weather. The majority of doves released at weddings have no homing ability whatsoever.
Once they fly off, they’re lost for good. Their internal navigation systems simply don’t exist, making a safe return virtually impossible.
Many Die From Exposure
Doves are sensitive to cold and wet weather conditions. A sudden change in temperature or a rainstorm can be fatal, especially for birds accustomed to indoor environments with controlled climates.
Without a proper roost to keep them dry and warm, they can easily succumb to hypothermia or exhaustion. Their lack of survival instincts further reduces their ability to find safe shelter.
Before conditions become life-threatening, most domesticated doves lack the awareness to seek protection. Weather events that wild birds navigate easily prove deadly for these unprepared creatures.
Ethical Alternatives Exist
If you love the symbolism of a dove release but want to avoid harm, there are humane alternatives available. Many couples now opt for symbolic gestures such as bubble releases, candle ceremonies, or digital dove release animations during weddings.
These options capture the same sense of beauty and meaning without risking the lives of real animals. Bubbles create a magical atmosphere while remaining completely harmless to the environment.
Couples can still honour tradition while making compassionate choices. These alternatives prove that meaningful ceremonies don’t require animal participation to be memorable and heartfelt.
