Two iconic lion statues located on the Lions Gate Bridge overpass were vandalized causing outrage across Vancouver Saturday.
The face was broken off of one statue, while the snout and paws of another were also damaged. The affected statues are two of four smaller versions of those that guard the Lions Gate Bridge entrance.
The City of Vancouver said the Park Board is assessing the damage to the concrete figures on the overpass and is looking to restoring them. Park Board Chair Aaron Jasper said the vandalism has happened before.
"They're 12, 13 years old and unfortunately apparently this is not the first time these smaller statues have been vandalized and our staff in the past have gone in and done some repairs," he said.
West End MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert was upset when he came across the damaged lions on Friday night.
“I was upset because these are iconic, historic pieces of art given to the people of the city of Vancouver and of B.C.,” he said, adding, "It's just so senseless. What kind of idiot would do this kind of thing?"
Other citizens in Vancouver were equally upset when they saw the damaged lions.
"I think it's a shame that people feel the need to destroy art like that," one said.
“It was like shock, anger. I'd love to go after and find the person that did this," said another.
The large lions guarding the bridge’s south end were put in place in 1939 and designed by Italian-born sculptor Charles Marega. The manufacturer of the small lions is local, and will likely be able to make new ones.
“We're relieved it wasn't the big statues,” Jasper said. “The smaller statues can be replaced, worst case scenario, but it is unfortunate someone would do this,” he said. “That whole area is very special for a lot of folks."
"Investigators will be working with the Vancouver Park Board to ensure those responsible are held accountable for taking the roar out of these two lions," said Vancouver police spokesperson Sgt. Randy Fincham in a release.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Vancouver Police Department at 604-717-3321 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-222-8477.
With a report from CTV Vancouver’s Penny Daflos
