A much-loved ostrich sculpture from Orono, Maine’s Pride “zoo” has been stolen. The Pride Zoo is made up of several life-sized animal sculptures, painted in rainbow flag colors and displayed around town to promote the spirit of the LGBTQ community. Orono police are actively investigating the theft, though its creators are just asking for the return of the bird sculpture, no questions asked.
Reports the Bangor Daily News.
The ostrich has been a fixture in the LGBTQ community in the Bangor area: it was sent from Orono to Bangor Pride; it has been placed in various locations around Orono; and it made a trip to Ellsworth to show some solidarity with that community, Carduns said.
Despite the ostrich being stolen, Carduns said the response from the Orono community has been nothing but positive.
“In the meantime, we’re trying to focus on how this ostrich has really benefited the LGBTQIA community in so many ways,” Carduns said. “We’re hoping that we can fundraise from now until Aug. 15 … in memory of the ostrich that would go directly to an LGBTQIA organization or endeavor or project that will directly benefit the community.”
While the group will continue fundraising around the ostrich, a resident has volunteered to make a new one, in the event the ostrich doesn’t make its way home.
Carduns said this is the first time anything like this has happened to the zoo, aside from a cup full of slurs being placed in front of one of the other displays.
The goal is the safe return of the ostrich to any of the town’s sidewalks — no questions asked, Merill said.
If you have seen the ostrich or have any information about its theft, contact Officer Kyle Adams via email at kadams@orono.org.
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