Have you ever wondered what happened to that famous chicken from Survivor? The one that captured America’s hearts and somehow managed to outlast most human contestants? Well you’re in the right place because I’m gonna spill all the tea about Mark the Chicken’s incredible journey and surprising legacy.
Who Was Mark the Chicken?
Mark the Chicken rose to fame during Survivor Kaôh Rōng (Season 32), which aired in 2016. This wasn’t just any ordinary chicken – he was named after the show’s executive producer Mark Burnett and became an unexpected star thanks to his unique relationship with contestant Tai Trang.
Unlike most animals that appear on Survivor, Mark wasn’t immediately viewed as food. Instead, he became something of a pet and mascot for the tribe particularly forming a special bond with Tai, a 52-year-old gardener from San Francisco who was known for his compassionate nature and respect for all living things.
Mark’s Survival Journey
When chickens appear on Survivor, they typically meet one predictable fate – dinner. But Mark’s story unfolded very differently:
- Initial Protection: At first, the tribe kept Mark tied up, but Tai quickly became his protector
- Freedom Granted: About a week into the game, they untied him, and he began walking freely around camp
- Integration: Mark became surprisingly attached to the humans, even joining them during mealtimes
- Hunger Threat: Despite food scarcity, Mark avoided becoming a meal thanks to Tai’s dedication
- Final Tribal: Remarkably, Mark made it all the way to the final Tribal Council!
As Tai explained to Mashable after the show: “I worked really hard. Every day, I [would] go look for food. I found a mango tree for the tribe. I found a bunch of clams, I shucked clams. I go fishing every day. I spent a couple hours a day going to get the food so people don’t get hungry. So people don’t see Mark as food.”
The Secret Plot Against Mark
Despite Mark’s beloved status, not everyone was entirely on board with keeping a perfectly good protein source wandering around camp. Cydney Gillon, another contestant, admitted after the show: “We would talk about it and whisper about it.”
Had there been less food available, Mark’s fate might have been very different. Cydney confessed, “If there wasn’t another option I would have been pushing to kill Mark — sorry.”
Even Michele Fitzgerald, who eventually won the season, joked with her tribemates: “Oh my god, he’s going to make it further than us.”
Mark’s Camp Life Wasn’t All Roses
While Mark enjoyed celebrity status, he wasn’t exactly the perfect tentmate. Aubry Bracco, who finished as runner-up that season, described some of Mark’s annoying habits:
“You’d be in the bamboo [shelter] and he’d just be poking up as you’re trying to sleep,” she recalled. “So he’d make noise and he’d creepily stalk you while you were sleeping. And then he’d come up between the bamboo slats as you’re laying down, and you’re like, ‘I didn’t sign up for this bizarre massage from a chicken.'”
The Jeff Probst Perspective
Even Survivor host Jeff Probst acknowledged Mark’s special place in the show’s history. When asked if Mark could technically be named the Sole Survivor, Probst jokingly claimed they’d amended the rules:
“Yes, we amended the rules to state ‘If Mark the Chicken survives all 39 days, he is thereby eligible to take a spot at the final Tribal Council and plead his case.'”
Probst added with his characteristic humor, “I do think it will be easier for MTC if Tai is also in the final Tribal, because Tai can translate Chicken to English. Otherwise, I do think MTC will have an uphill battle convincing the jury that he is worthy of the million dollars and the title of Sole Survivor.”
The Fate of Mark After Survivor
So what actually happened to Mark after the cameras stopped rolling?
During the final episode, host Jeff Probst invited Tai to release his feathered friend. While it might have been hard for Tai to say goodbye, he couldn’t exactly bring Mark home with him.
“It was tough [to let him go], but I can’t bring him home,” Tai explained. “But I also know that he’s gonna have a good home. I believe that Jeff will bring it to some local Cambodian family that will take care of it.”
Probst later confirmed in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that this is indeed what happened – Mark was given to a local Cambodian family after filming concluded.
The Unexpected Sia Moment
Perhaps the most extraordinary chapter in Mark’s story came during the season finale’s reunion show. Australian singer Sia, a huge Survivor fan who attended the finale, unexpectedly interrupted the broadcast.
As Probst began discussing Mark during the reunion, Sia shouted from the audience and was invited on stage, where she presented Tai with an incredible gift – $50,000 for him personally and another $50,000 for an animal charity of his choice!
“I could not let Tai go home without saying that … your authenticity and your care for animals really inspired me,” Sia told a shocked Tai. “I just want to say thank you for showing America how to be kind to animals.”
Tai was completely blindsided by this moment, later telling Mashable: “My god, it was shocking. I cannot believe it. I am so thankful.”
The Confusion About Multiple Marks
There’s actually been some confusion online about Mark the Chicken. Some sources incorrectly claim there was a chicken named Mark on Survivor: China who was caught and eaten by the contestants.
However, this appears to be misinformation. The famous Mark was definitely from Survivor: Kaôh Rōng, and he definitely survived the entire season.
Mark’s Legacy in Survivor History
Mark the Chicken’s impact on Survivor extends beyond just being a cute story:
- Symbol of Compassion: Mark represented Tai’s gentle nature and respect for all living creatures
- Strategic Element: The decision not to eat Mark showcased how castaways balance immediate needs with emotional considerations
- Unique Survivor First: Mark became the first animal to survive an entire season of the show
- Fan Favorite: Mark even got his own Twitter account and became a beloved character
- Catalyst for Generosity: Mark indirectly led to Tai receiving a significant financial gift from Sia
Why Mark’s Story Resonated
I think Mark’s story connected with viewers because it showed a softer side of a typically cutthroat game. In a competition where people regularly lie, cheat, and manipulate to win a million dollars, watching Tai protect this helpless chicken provided a touching contrast.
As Michele Fitzgerald put it: “He became a pet. He was just clucking around and doing his own thing. We love Mark.”
What We Can Learn From Mark
The unlikely tale of a chicken surviving Survivor offers some surprising life lessons:
- Compassion matters: Even in difficult circumstances, showing kindness can inspire others
- Protecting the vulnerable: Tai’s defense of Mark showed his character and values
- Finding joy in unexpected places: A simple chicken brought happiness to castaways in harsh conditions
- Building connections: Mark became part of the tribe’s identity and shared experience
Final Thoughts
Mark the Chicken’s journey from potential dinner to Survivor legend is truly one of the show’s most heartwarming stories. While most contestants enter the game with complex strategies and dreams of the million-dollar prize, it was a simple chicken who captured America’s heart and demonstrated that sometimes, the most unexpected characters make the biggest impact.
Whether you’re a die-hard Survivor fan or just someone who appreciates a good animal story, Mark’s tale reminds us that compassion can thrive even in the most competitive environments. And that, my friends, is something worth clucking about!
So the next time you’re watching Survivor and see the contestants receive animals as rewards, remember Mark – the chicken who proved that sometimes, the true survivors aren’t always the ones competing for the prize.
Have you ever had a pet that surprised you with their personality or resilience? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your stories!
Story[]
| “ | The castaways reunite in Los Angeles to discuss the season. Jeff Probst hosts. | ” |
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—Episode Synopsis[2] |
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- Australian pop superstar Sia donated $50,000 to Tai Trang personally and another $50,000 for a charity of his choice.
- Comedian and game show host Drew Carey appeared to promote the upcoming The Price Is Right primetime Survivor special airing on May 23, 2016.
- Host Jeff Probst revealed that Mark the Chicken was named after the shows Executive Producer Mark Burnett. He also revealed that there, too, was another chicken called Jeff named after him but was eaten.
Trivia[]
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Survivor – Learn The Story Of Mark The Chicken
FAQ
Is mark the chicken still on Survivor?
Absolutely! Mark’s legacy lives on among Survivor fans, as he remains one of the show’s most unique and lovable characters, despite his unfortunate fate. In the end, Mark the Chicken’s presence on Survivor will forever be etched in the show’s history.
Who is mark the chicken on Survivor Kaôh RNG?
He ate meals with everyone else. He even has his own Twitter account . Mark the Chicken — not a scared human, but an actual chicken — is the unsung hero of Survivor: Kaôh Rōng. “He’s an endearing chicken,” Tai Trang, original Beauty tribe member and one of the final four competitors, told Mashable after the show’s 32nd season concluded.
What happened to mark the chicken?
Mark the Chicken, also affectionately known as “Lunch,” was indeed lucky enough to survive the harsh realities of the island for a significant part of the season. However, in one unfortunate turn of events, Mark ended up becoming a meal for the castaways. Yes, you read that right. Mark the Chicken was eventually cooked and eaten by a hungry tribe.
What happened to mark on Survivor?
Although Mark’s fate may seem shocking, it isn’t entirely unheard of on the show. Throughout Survivor’s long history, castaways have been known to hunt, fish, and even take advantage of local wildlife as a source of nourishment.
Are survivor chickens a good reward?
In past seasons they’ve been offered up as a potential — and highly desirable — reward during the show’s introductory challenges. But while past Survivor chickens eventually became a meal, Mark quickly became just one of the group, thanks to Tai Trang, a 52-year-old San Francisco native who went on to be one of the final four.
What if mark the chicken survives all 39 days?
The KING of … well, everything. So yes, we amended the rules to state “If Mark the Chicken survives all 39 days, he is thereby eligible to take a spot at the final Tribal Council and plead his case.” I know this will upset some people who think we are being a bit loose with the rules but “producers’ discretion” means just that.
Why did Survivor stop giving chickens?
But realistically- its because the chickens need extra care in order to lay eggs, which they can’t do on survivor so at a certain point the chickens are named Mark and become a pet, or they become dinner.
Who kept the chicken alive in Survivor?
One of the most memorable was when Ty [in Season 33], there was a chicken and he was not going to let anybody kill the chicken. He named the chicken Mark after Mark Burnett [Survivor executive producer].
Did Tai from Survivor keep the chicken?
And, yes, I am so happy to have saved Mark, the chicken. I worked really hard foraging for food so others didn’t eat him.
What happened to Mark and Sam Survivor?
Personal life. Wales separated from Samantha Gash in 2024. In 2025, he was reported to be in a new relationship with Phoebe Timmins. He has a son from a previous relationship with Samantha Gash, named Harry Locke Wales.