University of York removes Long Boi statue from campus following suspected vandalism

The University of York has been forced to remove the Long Boi memorial statue from campus after significant damage to its right leg.

On Friday, the university took to Instagram to announce the news about the damage, telling students that the statue would be cordoned off for now.

Since the post, the statue has been completely removed from its plinth by Derwent lake. The university has reassured students that “Making him secure is our priority”, citing both visitor safety and the welfare of the statue itself.

The statue, which is the work of local wildlife sculptor Neil Mason, was unveiled to students in a ceremony by Radio 1 DJ Greg James earlier this year. Since then, students have been paying their respects to Long Boi at his statue: some have left commemorative objects such as rubber ducks at his feet, and others have been wrapping him up in crocheted scarves and accessories – a testament to the lasting affection for the iconic duck.

However, Long Boi’s peaceful tribute site has been disrupted in recent days. Students discovered a significant crack running across the bronze statue’s right leg, suspected to be the result of vandalism. The damage has sparked concerns that someone may have attempted to forcibly remove the statue from its plinth.

The alleged vandalism follows a recent call from PETA for the University of York to respect Long Boi’s memory and remove poultry from campus menus. The call has received backlash from some university students, however the university has not yet commented on PETA’s appeal.

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In response to the statue damage, the university quickly cordoned off the area with metal fencing. A notice stuck to the fence warns that the area has been restricted for safety reasons as well as reminding students that 24-hour CCTV is in operation at all times.

Shortly after the fencing was put in place, Long Boi’s statue was removed from its plinth. This is presumably for repairs to the statue’s leg, which has a significant cut through the bronze metal. The university has said that they will be doing all they can to fix the statue up as soon as possible, writing on Instagram: “His welfare, and the safety of those visiting him is paramount, so making him secure is our priority.”

Students and followers invested in Long Boi’s legacy have expressed their sadness and concern for the statue, with comments reading “Justice for Long Boi” and “Throw them behind bars immediately” and “THE HORROR” on the university’s Instagram post.

However, other students appear to care very little about the situation and the university’s serious attitude towards it. Some comments read “Get a grip please” and “The biggest eye roll possible”.

Despite the mixed reactions, many students have expressed a shared sadness toward the act of alleged vandalism. Mia Bladon, a third-year English Literature student and Features Editor for The York Tab, captured the sentiment perfectly: “I can’t believe someone would do that, [it’s] so disrespectful, especially as it’s a memorial statue that people donated money towards.”

As Long Boi’s plinth stands empty and Derwent’s lake once again feels the loss of his presence, students await updates of the statue’s condition and anticipate its safe return.