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Hairy Homecoming: Shiloh
Road gorilla found unharmed
Published Saturday, July 18
By Jebb Johnston
Staff Writer
The popular Shiloh Road gorilla has come home.
James Daniel was reunited with his lawn ornament around 3 p.m. Thursday when he found it deep in the woods behind an apartment complex on Proper Street in the eastern part of the city.
"We have rescued it from the jungle," he said.
The theft of the gorilla occurred a couple of weeks ago and has gotten much public attention this week. On Thursday, Daniel received a phone call informing him where the large fiberglass gorilla known as "Mr. Smith" could be found.
"I think it started out as a prank, and then I think once they figured out it was expensive they got scared and they hid it," said Daniel. "Luckily, some of them had a guilty conscience."
Corinth police investigated the case but said charges would not be filed if someone came forth with information as to where the gorilla could be found.
Felony charges could have been filed in the theft because of the value of the gorilla, and police believe several people, possibly juveniles, were involved in the theft. It is estimated to weigh a few hundred pounds and is not easily moved.
The Daniels are pleased to have the gorilla back unscathed.
"I was afraid that they would get scared and tear it up," said Pat Daniel. They have learned that the gorilla, which they dress up and position at different points in their lawn on East Shiloh Road, is more popular than they knew. The community went bananas over news of the theft, prompting almost 500 people to join a "Bring back the Shiloh Road gorilla" group on Facebook. Many posted comments about how much they enjoyed seeing how Mr. Smith was dressed whenever they drove by.
Pat Daniel said people even offered to contribute to reward money for the gorilla's return.
The gorilla has called Shiloh Road home since Christmas, when James Daniel received the lawn pet as a gift from his wife.
"He got tired of getting ties for Christmas," she said.
Mr. Smith will be back out to meet the public soon, but Daniel was making plans to put him on a chain to deter any more disappearances. He's also thinking about a suitable homecoming outfit.
Visit Facebook Gorilla site
