Authorities in Walnut Grove, California, are investigating the apparent theft of dozens of peacocks and peahens from the historic Ryde Hotel.
Once home to 40 vibrant peacocks, the hotel now has only four left after at least 15 vanished over the weekend, the hotel’s manager, David Neilsen, told KTLA’s sister station, fox40.com.
“One of our guests noticed that there were two men in a pickup truck with a cage, and he saw them carrying a peacock to the cage and putting it in, so we know that they were stealing them,” said Nielsen.
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A peacock is perched atop a deck stair at the Ryde Hotel on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Walnut Grove, Calif. (AP Photo/Terry Chea) -
Peacocks roam on the grounds of the Ryde Hotel on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, in Walnut Grove, Calif. (Rafe Goorwitch via AP) -
A peacock shows its plumage at the Ryde Hotel on Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Walnut Grove, Calif. (Rafe Goorwitch via AP)AP)
Nielsen said the birds are beloved by staff and guests, often appearing at weddings and brunches.
“One of the reasons why it was probably so easy to steal them is because they were so comfortable with human beings,” said Nielsen. Read more at fox40.com>>>