(KTXL) — A search is on for dozens of beloved peacocks that mysteriously disappeared from the grounds of the historic Ryde Hotel in Walnut Grove, Calif., and staff believe they may have been stolen.
For years, the hotel was home to 40 friendly peacocks who appeared frequently for big events, keeping visitors company during brunch, and weddings. Today, only 4 remain.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office is now piecing together clues and says this constitutes felony theft as each of the birds can cost upwards of $1,000 to $2,000.
Hotel manager David Nielsen says 15 peacocks disappeared over the weekend, and that a hotel guest had alerted staff to possible thieves.
“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.
Additional cameras have been installed around the hotel.
Staff say the missing peacocks don’t just have a financial impact, but an emotional one as well.
“It goes way beyond just having peacocks on your property,” said Nielsen. “We had names for them, we looked forward to them, they came when they were called, and we loved them very much. Everyone’s pretty devastated right now.”
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information to call (916) 874-8477
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