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http://www.southbendtribune.com/stories/2003/06/11.local
Chimp statue disappears from busy intersection
Crime Stoppers offers reward for information on
vandals, missing artwork.

By TERRENCE BLAND
Tribune Staff Writer 

MISHAWAKA -- Chimp Andy is gone.

The Fiberglas chimp at Grape Road and McKinley Avenue,
sponsored by and located outside National City Bank,
was taken sometime between late Saturday and early
Monday morning.

The chimp, ripped from the wooden stand that was
attached to the 600-pound rock used as a base, was
reported missing by passing motorists who have become
accustomed to seeing the artwork during their morning
commute.

The Fiberglas artworks, reminiscent of sculptures of
cows in Chicago and pigs in Cincinnati, are expected
to be on display all summer.

It is hoped the chimps will draw attention to
Potawatomi Zoo and its chimp exhibit. The artworks
will be auctioned off during an October event at the
Studebaker National Museum. Proceeds will go to the
zoo's exhibit development fund.

At least two of the chimps have been vandalized since
they first began appearing at locations in South Bend
and Mishawaka.

"Monkey See Monkey Blue,'' which was outside the
Growing Kids Learning Center on Indiana 23, was ripped
in half, and "Ray,'' which was at Jefferson Boulevard
and Michigan Street, had its knee smashed.

Workers at WeVac Plastics in Elkhart have repaired the
vandalized chimps. Ray will be relocated to the South
Bend Regional Airport, and Monkey See Monkey Blue will
return to the Learning Center.

New chimps will be added to the area art exhibit
Friday. "Swing Low, Sweet Juliette'' will be located
at the St. Joseph County Public Library in downtown
South Bend. "Chimpanzoo'' will be placed in front of
LePeep at 127 S. Michigan St.

Crime Stoppers has offered a reward of up to $1,000
for information leading to the arrest or indictment of
the people responsible for the vandalism.

The reward still stands, and people with information
about the missing chimp should call 288-STOP or (800)
342-STOP.

Staff writer Terrence Bland:



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