While nobody knows for sure, the general thought is that Pete escaped from the Wonder World Park petting zoo years ago. In fact, it may have just been divine intervention. Kristin Williams, owner and operator of Wonder World Park, said that her grandmother, who passed away in 2006, was buried in City Cemetery. She always felt that Pete followed her over.

'I am almost positive Pete was a peacock from Wonder World Park dating back 20 years ago,' Williams said. 'I like to believe Pete followed my grandmother, Phyllis Mostyn Brace, to her grave. She used to feed all the animals from her back porch each day as she carried on conversations. Pete was a beautiful addition to the cemetery, and brought a lot of joy to the people visiting. I am saddened to hear of his passing.'

His time in the public eye touched the lives of many, both young and old in the community.

“I am just heartbroken,” San Marcos resident Karen Porter said. “Since I moved here to Texas four years ago, he’s been a constant friend. He will be sorely missed. He’s been a personal friend for so many people. My little four-year-old grandson has grown up with Pete.”

Details have not yet been announced, but the Parks and Recreation Department stated on Friday that they were planning a celebration of life. It would likely be held at the Cemetery Chapel, which was one of Pete’s favorite hangouts.