SLC Wildlife Walls Mural Trail

Sugar House Peacocks

Salt Lake City

Located just two doors down from Sugar House Coffee next to the Post Office, the Sugar House Peacocks mural features two peacocks set against a dreamlike, tree-lined backdrop. Though peacocks aren’t native to Utah, this mural serves as a tribute to Allen Park, located just a few blocks away in the heart of Sugar House. Once known as “Hobbitville” for its quirky cottages and hidden pathways, Allen Park was created by Dr. George Allen in the early 20th century as a private retreat and sanctuary for exotic birds and animals. The park became famous for its free-roaming peafowl. It was also home to Utah’s first elephant and is often considered the birthplace of organized wildlife care in the state, inspiring the creation of Tracy Aviary and Hogle Zoo.

When thoughtfully designed and ethically operated, zoos, aviaries, and wildlife parks can play a crucial role in both conservation and education, helping visitors see and connect with animals they might never encounter in the wild, sparking curiosity, empathy, and a deeper understanding of biodiversity. These institutions also contribute directly to conservation through habitat restoration projects, species survival programs, and global breeding initiatives aimed at preserving endangered wildlife.

Today, Allen Park is managed as a public green space, with trails and signs that highlight its history and continued importance as urban wildlife habitat.

This mural was added to the Wildlife Walls Mural Trail to raise wildlife awareness.

This mural project was installed in 2021 by Chris Peterson Studio as part of a Call for Artists made by Sugar House Community Council. Partnerships with Sugar House Chamber and Cameron Health and Wellness made this project possible. A QR code will be installed on each mural to educate visitors about the species and provide recommendations for nearby firsthand wildlife encounters.

Peacocks

Peacocks are the striking, iridescent-blue males of the Indian peafowl species. Native to the Indian subcontinent, these birds are known for their long, colorful tail feathers, which they fan out during elaborate courtship displays. Peahens, the females, are smaller and earth-toned, allowing them to blend into the landscape. Though not native to Utah, peacocks were once a familiar sight in Salt Lake City, thanks to places like Allen Park where ornamental birds roamed freely.

Peacocks can fly surprisingly well and often roost high in trees to avoid predators.
Their loud, high-pitched calls are most often heard during the spring and summer breeding season.
A peacock’s tail, also called a train, can span over five feet and is made up of more than 200 feathers.

Sugar House Peacocks

Designed and installed by Chris Peterson Studio

From the Artist

"I lived in Sugar House for more than fifteen years and was really excited when I was selected as one of the artists for a Sugar House mural festival. The wall I was given is a very prominent wall on 1100 East next to the U.S. Post Office. It was tricky to design for because of all the windows and pop-out columns.

The place based concept highlighted the local peacocks of Allen Park, the Granite Furniture neon star sign, a detail of a "welcome to Sugar House" sign, and the view of Mt. Olympus from Sugar House Park. My window to paint the mural was during July and this wall is south facing. Over the course of 8 days, and with the help of Alex Billany, Kate Verhaaren, Uno Pelavacas and Gohar. Temperatures were extreme on the wall so we used a big umbrella when possible, but one of the crew still got heat stroke one day.

This mural highlights the local peacocks, which can often be heard calling in the neighborhoods around Allen Park. Allen Park itself is a very historic and special place worth a visit. Go check it out!" -Chris Peterson

Celebrate Utah's wildlife with monumental murals and wildlife encounters across the state on the Wildlife Walls Mural Trail.

Wildlife Walls Mural Trail Map

Nearby Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

Peacocks @ Allen Park: Nestled in the Sugar House neighborhood, Allen Park is a quiet, artsy area where remnants of free-roaming peafowl still draw visitors.
Raptors @ Jordan River Parkway (Arrowhead Park): This stretch of the Jordan River offers great opportunities to spot Swainson’s hawks, red-tailed hawks, and kestrels soaring above the cottonwoods or perched along the river corridor.
Moose @ Silver Lake (Big Cottonwood Canyon): Just a short, accessible walk around Silver Lake often results in sightings of moose grazing in the wetlands, especially early in the morning or at dusk.
Bison and burrowing owls @ Antelope Island: Less than an hour from Salt Lake, Antelope Island State Park is home to one of the largest free-roaming bison herds in the country, along with burrowing owls, pronghorn, coyotes, and shorebirds.
Wild horses @ Dugway Mountains (Onaqui Herd): West of the Salt Lake Valley, the Onaqui Mountains are home to one of Utah’s most iconic wild horse herds. Access is remote, high-clearance vehicles are recommended. They are best viewed in spring and fall.
Bonneville cutthroat trout @ Millcreek Canyon: This canyon offers accessible roadside pull-offs and shaded streams where Bonneville cutthroat trout can often be spotted swimming in clear pools.
Mountain goats @ Mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon: Keep an eye on the cliffs above the canyon entrance, especially in spring and early summer, when mountain goats descend to feed on new vegetation.
Rattlesnakes @ Rattlesnake Gulch, Millcreek Canyon: True to its name, Rattlesnake Gulch is prime habitat for rattlesnakes. Stay alert and observe from a safe distance if you encounter one on a trail.
Red fox @ Big Cottonwood Regional Park: This urban green space in Holladay is occasionally home to red foxes. Early morning walks offer your best chance at a glimpse.
Pelicans and waterbirds @ Decker Lake: Located just west of downtown, Decker Lake attracts American white pelicans, Canada geese, and various migratory waterfowl. Viewing is best in spring and fall.
Migratory shorebirds @ Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge: Though a bit of a drive, this world-renowned bird refuge is well worth the trip. Visit during spring and fall migrations for peak shorebird activity, including avocets, stilts, and phalaropes.

Wildlife Etiquette: Always observe from a distance, stay on marked trails, and never feed wild animals.

Wildlife Institutions in Salt Lake City:

Hogle Zoo: Located near the mouth of Emigration Canyon, Hogle Zoo is your chance to see a wide range native species upclose, including cougars, bighorn sheep, bobcats, and yellow-bellied marmots.
Tracy Aviary (Liberty Park): One of the oldest aviaries in the U.S., Tracy Aviary houses over 130 bird species including golden eagles, bald eagles, American white pelicans, and barred owls.
Tracy Aviary’s Jordan River Nature Center (Pia Okwaiwai): Situated along the Jordan River in South Salt Lake, this nature center offers bird blinds and walking trails with chances to view wild raptors and shorebirds in restored wetland habitat.
Eccles Great Salt Lake Audubon Wildlife Center (Lee Kay Center): Just west of downtown, this new center sits along the southern shoreline of the Great Salt Lake and provides opportunities to see great blue herons, shorebirds, and other waterfowl. The surrounding wetlands are critical stopovers for migratory birds.
Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter (Park City): Though technically just outside the Salt Lake Valley, Swaner Preserve is well worth the short drive. The 1,200-acre preserve is home to moose, sandhill cranes, and a variety of wetland species. Guided tours and boardwalk trails provide easy viewing access.
Red Butte Garden: Adjacent to the University of Utah, Red Butte Garden is a great place to spot local wildlife. Birds, butterflies, and even rattlesnakes can be seen along the garden’s trails, particularly in spring and summer.

Don't miss these Local Attractions

Hogle Zoo: Located near the mouth of Emigration Canyon, Hogle Zoo is your chance to see a wide range native species upclose, including cougars, bighorn sheep, bobcats, and yellow-bellied marmots.
Tracy Aviary (Liberty Park): One of the oldest aviaries in the U.S., Tracy Aviary houses over 130 bird species including golden eagles, bald eagles, American white pelicans, and barred owls.
Tracy Aviary’s Jordan River Nature Center (Pia Okwaiwai): Situated along the Jordan River in South Salt Lake, this nature center offers bird blinds and walking trails with chances to view wild raptors and shorebirds in restored wetland habitat.
Eccles Great Salt Lake Audubon Wildlife Center (Lee Kay Center): Just west of downtown, this new center sits along the southern shoreline of the Great Salt Lake and provides opportunities to see great blue herons, shorebirds, and other waterfowl. The surrounding wetlands are critical stopovers for migratory birds.
Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter (Park City): Though technically just outside the Salt Lake Valley, Swaner Preserve is well worth the short drive. The 1,200-acre preserve is home to moose, sandhill cranes, and a variety of wetland species. Guided tours and boardwalk trails provide easy viewing access.
Red Butte Garden: Adjacent to the University of Utah, Red Butte Garden is a great place to spot local wildlife. Birds, butterflies, and even rattlesnakes can be seen along the garden’s trails, particularly in spring and summer.