City of Merced officials are searching for newly-installed display sign at Applegate Zoo that was taken by a thief over the weekend.
They are hoping someone will step forward to either return the sign, or share information about its whereabouts.
The sign was installed at the zoo just last month on its building. The part of the sign that was stolen was a bear containing a painted image of a stag in the Sierra wilderness, while a bird of prey soars above.
City officials believe the sign was taken sometime between 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 6 a.m. Sunday, ABC 30 reported.
Merced police are asking anyone with information about the sign’s whereabouts or the circumstances behind its disappearance to call (209) 385-6905.
Police are also asking anyone with security camera footage of the theft to step forward.
It’s not the first significant theft to happen in Merced’s Applegate Park area. In December, a thief stole a rocket car from an amusement ride at Kiddieland. The item was later returned by a Good Samaritan.
Three years ago a metal plaque was stolen from the statue in the park honoring Steven Stayner and Timothy White. That plaque has never been recovered.