The Mystery of the Missing Peacocks at Ryde Hotel
The Ryde Hotel, a historic establishment located in the heart of California’s Delta near the rural community of Walnut Grove, has been left in shock after its beloved peacocks vanished. These elegant birds, known for their striking plumage and playful behavior, have long been a cherished part of the hotel’s charm. They roamed freely along the banks of the Sacramento River and even made appearances in the hotel’s banquet hall, adding a touch of whimsy to the property.
A Disturbing Discovery
The situation took a dramatic turn when a guest reported seeing two men shoving a peacock into a cage and loading it into a pickup truck on a Saturday. This alarming incident prompted hotel manager David Nielsen to conduct a head count the following day, only to discover that out of several dozen peacocks, only four remained on the grounds. The sudden disappearance of so many birds left the staff deeply concerned.
“This area is known as the heart of the Delta, and when this first happened, it was a little shocking,” said Rafe Goorwitch, the hotel events coordinator. “It was a stab in the heart.”
Investigation Underway
Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation into the missing peacocks, with Sergeant Amar Gandhi leading the case. He described the incident as unique, noting that they’ve never encountered a “peacock caper” before. The theft is being treated as a felony due to the significant financial value of the birds.
Gandhi explained that male peacocks, known for their vibrant, iridescent tail feathers, are valued at around $2,000, while females are estimated to be worth approximately $1,000. Nielsen expressed concern that the birds may have been stolen for use in cockfights, a disturbing possibility that he found hard to discuss.
While peacocks are not typically used for fighting, Gandhi acknowledged the real threat to their welfare. “They could be used for the black market exotic animal trade or sometimes even for peacock meat,” he said.
A Historic Legacy
The original Ryde Hotel was built in 1886, just a few yards south of the current structure. The present four-story art deco building was constructed in 1926 during the Prohibition era and was once home to a flamboyant speakeasy in its basement. A new owner purchased the property 14 years ago and introduced a peafowl and peahen, which led to the growth of a thriving peacock population over the years.
Currently, around 40 peacocks live in the area, with 15 visiting the hotel daily for food. Goorwitch noted that it took the staff a few days to realize how drastically the population had declined.
“They don’t like smoke, and we had a fire recently up here, so I wasn’t expecting the hardcore group of 15 to show up,” he said. “I wasn’t looking for them until someone mentioned that at least one had been stolen.”
Signs of a Possible Theft
Of the four remaining peacocks, one has several tail feathers missing, suggesting that someone may have attempted to capture it. To prevent further incidents, the hotel has installed additional cameras across the property to help protect the remaining birds.
Nielsen described catching a peacock as no easy task. “It’s like catching a chicken,” he said. “It’s highly unusual that so many of them were grabbed without any commotion.”
Challenges in the Investigation
Because the area is so rural, the Sheriff’s Office lacks the extensive security infrastructure that might aid in such cases. However, detectives are relying on witness accounts and traditional investigative methods to track down the missing birds.
Goorwitch, in particular, is grieving the loss of his favorite peacock, Alibaba, who was known for his stunning tail feathers and bold personality. “I know they’re just birds,” he said, “but Alibaba was really something special.”
As the search for the missing peacocks continues, the Ryde Hotel remains hopeful that the birds will be found and returned to their home. For now, the staff and guests are left wondering what happened to these beautiful creatures that have become such an integral part of the hotel’s history.
