Gender reveal in Arizona sparks concern among wildlife advocates

PHOENIX (NBC, KYMA) - There are a lot of ways couples now-a-days announce if they're having a boy or a girl, but one gender reveal has wildlife advocates worried.

The bright blue pigeons were part of a gender reveal announcement.

The two birds didn't fly home after being released as expected, and are now being cared for by a local non-profit Wildlife Rehabilitator, who is quite concerned with their coloring.

Crystal White of Crystal's Critter Javen told NBC affiliate KPNX that the blue dye puts the birds at risk from both the dye and predators.

The birds were dyed by a business that provides dove releases for events.

Sacred Dove Release owner Monica Flores told KPNX it was the first time her shop had done a gender reveal, and the first time dye had been used on birds.

She also said she used non-toxic food coloring to make the birds blue, but with all the backlash, she says this is last time she will dye birds.

As for the couple, they say they were under the impression the dye was harmless to the birds and are heartbroken.