Eight-foot gorilla statue named Gary 'abducted' from Reynard Nursery garden centre in Carluke

The owner of a Lanarkshire garden centre has issued a warning to thieves, after a “beloved” eight-foot gorilla statue was stolen overnight.

Gary the gorilla was allegedly stolen by a gang of thieves from Reynard Nursery in Carluke between the hours of 11.30pm on Sunday and 12.30am on Monday.

“Devastated” owner Andrew Scott has issued a humorous appeal for the statue’s safe return.

He has also warned that the thieves were captured by CCTV, allegedly arriving at the centre in a white van.

Mr Scott purchased Gary for £3,000 around a decade ago. Andrew Scott

In a video posted to social media, Mr Scott said: “As many of you will know, Gary was an ape of few words, but he brought joy to ourselves and our customers – as well as being an excellent reference point for our delivery drivers.

“We ask you to keep a look out for Gary, in the hope that he is returned safely to his family.”

“He is described as eight-foot tall, with a grumpy demeanour and cataracts in his eyes,” he added.

Staff frequently dress Gary to match current affairs - he was covered in red spots when monkey pox hit the headlines. — Staff frequently dress Gary to match current affairs – he was covered in red spots when monkey pox hit the headlines. Andrew Scott

“But our Gary wouldn’t hurt a fly – he also has distinct scarring as a result of a previous monkey pox infection.”

Despite the nature of the appeal, Mr Scott did confirm that Gary had been purchased for £3,000 around ten years ago, and hopes that the fibreglass statue is returned soon.

Police Scotland confirmed that officers had received a report of the theft of the gorilla statue from outside the centre on Mauldslie Road at around 8.35am on March 20.

The gorilla was stolen at around midnight on Monday. Andrew Scott

A spokesperson for the force said: “Around 8.35am on Monday, March 20, we received a report of the theft of an eight-foot fibreglass gorilla from outside a premises on Mauldslie Road, Carluke.

“Enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible. Anyone with information should call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0588 of Monday, March 20, 2023.”