The Truth Behind The Viral 'Peacock Destroys Liquor Store' Story

When Rani Ghanem sees an opportunity for Internet stardom, he takes it.

On Monday, the 21-year-old was working at his uncle's Arcadia liquor store when a female peafowl, or peahen, strolled through the open front door and startled a customer.

Within minutes, an animal control officer arrived on site and set out to capture the wily bird. That's when Ghanem whipped out his cellphone, hit record, and made the Royal Oaks Liquor Store a viral sensation.

For roughly six minutes, Ghanem recorded a slapstick battle of wits between man and beast, and the destruction of numerous bottles of alcohol.

Ever since then, customers have joked that the liquor store should change its name to something more bird-like, or post a "No Peacocks Welcome" sign, Ghanem said. One woman simply showed up to get a selfie with the clerk.

Read more about the truth behind the viral story on LA Times.