Dozens of peacocks stolen from historic hotel in California
- Only four of the exotic peacocks and peahens remained after a theft was suspected.
- The hotel staff thought the birds, valued at thousands of dollars, were taken by individuals.
- Authorities are investigating the incident as a property crime and the hotel seeks the return of the birds.
In Walnut Grove, California, dozens of peacocks and peahens, which were a signature element of the historic Art Deco Ryde Hotel, went missing and are believed to have been stolen. Hotel staff realized the birds were gone after a customer reported seeing two men placing one of the birds into a cage in the back of a pickup truck, prompting a count that revealed only four birds remained. The general manager, David Nielsen, expressed that the staff is heartbroken over the loss, attributing significant value to the birds. The male birds are valued at $2,000 each, and the peahens are valued at $1,000 each, according to Sgt. Amar Gandhi from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, who confirmed authorities are investigating this crime. The hotel had originally purchased five of these birds 14 years ago, and as they reproduced, their presence became iconic to the grounds, enhancing the charm and uniqueness of the hotel. Employees had developed close relationships with the birds, considering them pets, feeding them gourmet leftovers, and even naming them. The most notable among them was a peacock named Alibaba, affectionately called Baba, who was known for his bold demeanor, often walking casually through public areas of the hotel as though in charge. Following the news of the missing birds, the hotel management began receiving tips from the public concerning possible sightings and individuals claiming to have new peacock pets, leading to hopes for their return. The hotel has since upgraded security measures, adding more surveillance cameras and planning additional fencing to deter potential thieves in the future. This incident highlights the emotional bond between humans and animals and the distress caused by their unexpected loss.