Colorado Springs’ unofficial feathered mascot brought loving crowds of people together at Acacia Park on Saturday, April 4, with games, card-making, food trucks, inflatable costumes and superheroes.
Dennis, full name Dennisaurus-Rex, celebrated his fifth birthday with a two-hour-long meet-and-greet, where he was fed kale and berries by people of all ages and their pets, including a duck, guinea pigs and a parrot. He received two special cakes, countless birthday cards and donations to buy a brand-new swimming pond, treats and pizza.
“I don’t even know what I was expecting, because it’s hard to say who comes to an emu’s birthday party, right?” said Billie-Sue Mitchell, Dennis’ mom. “But look, half the town came, so I’m just stoked. I can’t believe how exciting this is.”
Some party attendees described Dennis as having the ability to uplift and bring people together with his “unique,” “unusual” and “silly” appearances in his community.
“I think events like this that promote positivity, creativity, love and support community for one another are so, so important because it gives everybody that small drop of hope,” said Sue, a cosplayer dressed as Poison Ivy from DC Comics, who prefers not to use her last name for safety reasons.
“I think that’s what everybody really needs right now,” said Sue.
Dennis has been an active member of the Colorado Springs community for years.
Mitchell adopted Dennis in 2021, following the sudden passing of her younger brother, originally as a guard bird to protect her ducks, but he quickly became her close companion.
“The one most important thing is to spread his happiness and smiles and joy, because, you know, people need that,” said Mitchell.
According to Mitchell, Dennis was raised with intentional socialization and canine siblings, his curious and friendly nature quickly transforming him into a local celebrity, with thousands of followers across TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
Since his adoption, Dennis has been spotted out and about with his mom in Manitou Springs, Garden of the Gods, Cripple Creek and Old Colorado City.
“There’s so much chaos going on,” said Mitchell. “We need some stability and happiness, you know. So that’s what he (Dennis) wants to do.”
Dennis’ presence can be requested for educational experiences, fundraising appearances, awareness campaigns, parades and marches via his website, including his past experiences opening the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, visiting local schools and frequent collaborations with the Mile High Multiverse.