Albert was taken from us by what is presumed to be a mountain lion. He had a long life for a peacock, living to be more than 20 years old and has become the mascot of Boulder Creek.
When he arrived in Boulder Creek, he and his mate (also a white peacock) escaped from their owner. Given that peacocks roost in trees but nest on the ground, she did not survive very long. She was taken by a predator while nesting on the ground. Peacocks mate for life, so for the next several years, Albert lived alone in the neighborhood near Redwood Resort in Boulder Creek.
The neighborhood tried to downplay the presence of this majestic creature living in the woods. White peacocks are rare; he was not an albino but simply white. As such, he was considered a bigger prize. At one point, a few years back, Albert disappeared. No one knows exactly what happened to him, but he showed up in Felton and was returned home to Boulder Creek.
Albert gained popularity during the CZU Lightning Complex fire in 2020. Residents were evacuated; some had to leave behind pets they could not locate or farm animals they could not transport. Throughout this ordeal, the biggest question the Santa Cruz Mountain Bulletin received during those days was, “What is happening to Albert?”
Albert made it through the fire unscathed, and upon our return to the mountain, the logo of Santa Cruz Mountain Strong depicted Albert emerging as a phoenix from the ashes, as we all had to do.
Having the beautiful and elusive white peacock in the woods made living here just a little more magical. We will miss you, Albert. Rest in peace.