Peacocks According to reports, the colorful flock, which had roamed the hotel property freely for years, suddenly vanished without a trace.
Local law enforcement is working to determine exactly how many birds were taken and who may be responsible. Investigators suspect the birds may have been captured and removed intentionally, possibly for illegal sale or private collection.
Peacocks and peahens are not only visually stunning but can also be quite valuable, which has led to growing concerns about wildlife theft in the area. Officials are urging anyone with information about the missing birds to come forward.
Dozens of Peacocks and Peahens Vanish from Historic Sacramento Delta Hotel, Staff Suspect Theft
Hotel staff now believe the birds were stolen, and local authorities have launched a property crime investigation.
Following the alarming tip, hotel staff conducted a headcount and were shocked to find that only four of the exotic birds remained, said David Nielsen, the hotel’s general manager.
According to Sgt. Amar Gandhi of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, the case is being treated as a property crime due to the birds’ high value. No further details have been released by the sheriff’s office as the investigation continues.
Over time, the birds multiplied, becoming an iconic feature of the hotel. Their elegant presence on the grounds even reflected the Art Nouveau style, where peacocks are often celebrated for their beauty.
Fed scraps from filet mignon, prime rib, and salmon, the peafowls grew increasingly tame, with employees even assigning names and personalities to many of them.
Among the most beloved was Baba, short for Alibaba, the largest and most charismatic of the group. Rafe Goorwitch, the hotel’s catering coordinator, recalled how Baba strutted through the hotel’s ballrooms and gardens with regal confidence, earning a kind of mascot status among the staff.
He walked through the dinner rooms and gardens like he was the boss.”
Though typically known for their aloof behavior, Baba was unusually social. “He became like a dog,” Goorwitch added.
In the days since the birds’ disappearance, the hotel has received a flood of phone calls from concerned community members offering tips and reporting possible sightings. Some callers even mentioned neighbors who may have recently acquired peacocks.
While no birds have been recovered yet, the Ryde Hotel is ramping up its security measures. More fencing is being added, and advanced surveillance cameras are being installed around the property to prevent any future incidents.
“They really meant a lot to us,” Nielsen said, his voice tinged with sadness.
For the staff and regular guests of the Ryde Hotel, the missing birds are more than just animals—they’re part of the hotel’s legacy and spirit. Now, they’re holding onto hope that their feathered friends will be returned to their rightful home.