Stock picture of a white peacock.Photo:Getty

Stock White Peacock

Getty

A rare white peacock has been killed, and a town is mourning the loss.

According toKSBW 8, members of the Boulder Creek community in California believe the peacock, affectionately known as Albert, was killed in a mountain lion attack.

“We were just stunned, you know, it seemed like he was always going to be here,” local ceramic artists Laurie and Dan Henning told the outlet.

Resident Kevin Foster also revealed that the community had “kind of adopted Albert."

The outlet reports that the unofficial town mascot had lived in Boulder Creek for decades.

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Stock image of a peacock.Getty

Stock White Peacock

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Albert was also known for having survived a fire in 2020. PerKRON4, Albert was captured flying through smoke after a lightning strike caused the local CZU complex to catch fire and spread toward Boulder Creek on Aug. 16.

“The fire department received a lot of phone calls, emails, and Facebook messages asking about Albert’s whereabouts and how he was doing,” Boulder Creek Fire Chief Mark Bingham said at the time.

He added, “He’s doing well. He looks like someone took him to a spa. Animals are smart, they feel and sense things when they are coming. I’m sure he found somewhere to take cover. He always seems to make it, and always seems to thrive.”

Speaking of the fire, Foster said Albert “inspired so many people to come together after the fire… the peacock rising from the flame.”

Per KSBW 8,Laurie and Dan said Albert was a strong part of their community, with Laurie featuring him in her next art work.

“I’m going to make a little shrine right around the corner where he used to hang out,” she said.

source: people.com