Merced Applegate Zoo sign remains missing

MERCED, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Saturday marks one week since the Merced Applegate Zoo sign was stolen.

“My first reaction was, I can’t believe it. We just put it up,” said Mike Harris, Merced City Council Member, District 3.

The sign was installed just three weeks ago as part of the city’s first initiative to revamp the zoo. With $1.8 million allocated for a facelift, new exhibits, ADA upgrades, and ironically, security updates, the zoo was set for a significant transformation.

“It’s disheartening and it’s one step forward, two steps back in this case,” said Chris Jensen, Merced’s director of Parks & Community Services.

The security camera they have adjacent to the sign failed to capture the crime.

“The sign had to be removed with power tools and with significant time and effort. When we found what was left as a result of the theft, there were indications that it was a professional removal. It wasn’t a random act of vandalism,” Jensen said.

The sign cost the city $3,000, but Jensen says it’s not made of any valuable material.

“I think it’s a memento of anything else,” he said.

But Merced residents aren’t monkeying around. Together Merced City Council Members Sarah Boyle and Mike Harris have personally put up a $500 reward for information leading to the sign’s return.

“Sometimes you just have to do what’s right. And I and I thought, you know, this is my district. These are my constituents. I feel like that’s my zoo. So I just wanted to do something,” Harris said.

Officials say the zoo sign can be returned to any fire station anonymously -no questions asked.