Gary the fibreglass pop-art cow disappeared from Judd Park in Merrigum on Friday February 13, causing Greater Shepparton City Council to put out a social media post on Monday, February 16, calling on people who knew anything about its ‘theft’ to call police.
Police were also contacted, with a witness having seen the cow laying on its side in the park on the night of Thursday, February 12.
Fast forward a couple of days, and the moo-stery of Gary’s disappearance has been solved, and it appears council members may have a little cow-pat on their face.
The cow was in fact not stolen, but instead had been moo-ved to council’s depot after council’s parks and gardens staff found it lying on the ground and damaged early on Friday, February 13.
Unlike with Little Bo-Peep who lost her sheep and didn’t know where to find them, council officers who had raised the alarm were alerted to Gary’s whereabouts on Tuesday afternoon after parks and gardens staff saw the social media post.
It was a case of Gary being under their noses — albeit in a different building — all along.
Gary is part of Greater Shepparton’s Moooving Art herd, and the cow’s disappearance had been udderly disappointing for the region.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said the community would be pleased to hear the cow had been safely located and would soon return to the herd.
“We’re glad to share that Gary has been found safe,” Cr Sali said.
“There’s been a lot of interest from the community over the past few days, and we appreciate everyone who kept an eye out.
“It really shows how much people enjoy the Moooving Art trail and what these artworks mean to our towns.
“While Gary’s disappearance has created a bit of a stir, but we’re glad this story has a happy ending.”
Following minor repair work, Gary will be returned to the herd, ready for their next photo with the community and bringing a smile to locals and visitors.
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