(22 Jul 2025)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Walnut Grove, California – 22 July 2025
1. One of the remaining few peacocks at the property
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2. SOUNDBITE (English) David Nielson, General Manager, Ryde Hotel:
"We were having a Sunday brunch when it was reported to us by a guest that he noticed a man carrying one of our peacocks and throwing it into a cage of a pickup truck driven by a second male. We were very distressed by that and ultimately went out quickly to try and intercept. They were of course long gone. And then we started to walk the grounds to see what was going on. And that’s when we noticed that our peacocks were missing."
3. Various exteriors or Ryde Hotel
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4. SOUNDBITE (English) David Nielson, General Manager, Ryde Hotel:
"They would wander into our dining room during our brunches and dinners. And they would wander into the celebrations of the weddings right onto the dance floor. They were very comfortable with people … they became a very integral part of our operations to the point where we were so excited to have them and loved them so much that we decided to dedicate our bar and call it Peacock Bar."
5. One of the remaining few peacocks at the property on a roof
6. Peacock painting in bar
7. Peacock jumping
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8. SOUNDBITE (English) David Nielson, General Manager, Ryde Hotel:
"The staff is very heartbroken. It sounds a little silly but … it’s been a little hard for us to not have them around. We were so used to them being here. They were part of our staff and loved so much by our staff that we’re going through a grieving process for its loss and yeah it’s really hard to even think about breaking down."
9. STILL A painting of a peacock is seen at the Ryde Hotel, where dozens of the birds have gone missing (AP Photo/Terry Chea; ID 17200662013740)
10. Peacock walking
STORYLINE:
California law enforcement is investigating the mysterious disappearance of peacocks from the grounds of an historic hotel.
The Ryde Hotel in Sacramento County reported that numerous birds were missing after two men were seen by a guest loading a peacock into a crate and a truck.
The colorful birds were long-time fixtures, strolling through the gardens, lobby, and even wedding halls.
Hotel General Manager David Nielsen, who has worked at the property for 21 years, expressed deep concern: “The entire staff is pretty devastated,” he said.
Authorities suspect the thefts may have involved criminal intent, possibly to sell the birds or use them in illegal cockfighting rings.
Male peacocks can fetch thousands of dollars.
The Sheriff’s Office confirmed the thefts constitute serious felony property crimes, and the case has been forwarded to the Property Crimes Bureau.
Meanwhile, hotel staff report that the few remaining peacocks are visibly distressed, a behavior never before observed.
The hotel has installed extra surveillance cameras and appealed to the public for help.
AP Video by Terry Chea
Production by Ty ONeil
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