The University has failed to identify the perpetrators of the Long Boi statue damage.
Damage to the popular duck statue occurred in November 2024, prompting its removal after the statue’s legs were found to be vandalised.
A campus safety report has revealed that the perpetrators are thought to be a group of University of York students.
According to the campus safety report “the Long Boi campus statue has suffered significant damage overnight. Campus Safety have reviewed the CCTV footage and have identified what looks to be a group of our own students carrying out the damage.
“The damage is such that the statue may not be salvageable and we would like to identify the people involved.”
Damage to the statue is estimated to cost £2,500 and it remains unclear whether the statue will need to be replaced entirely.
Internal campus safety emails suggest the damage may have been caused by the statue’s legs being snapped or possibly cut with a hacksaw.
Following the incident, the alleged perpetrators were seen heading towards Derwent accommodation and Heslington Hall, with campus safety believing the students were from Derwent.
In emails following the incident, Campus safety officers said: “If we can identify the student, I’d love to see them pay damages!”
The investigation into the Long Boi damage concluded on 8th December 2024, with the University unable to identify the individuals responsible.
An email from campus safety described the outcome as “really gutting that we couldn’t identify the students involved.”
A University spokesperson said: “We launched an extensive inquiry, but we were unable to identify the perpetrators. There’s been a lot of anger and sadness about the damage to the iconic statue, as Long Boi brought joy to so many people. The damage is still being assessed, but we hope to reinstall the popular piece of artwork on campus soon, so he can once more be enjoyed by his many friends and admirers.”
Unveiled on 26th September 2024 by Radio 1’s Greg James at a memorial ceremony, the statue of the campus-famous mallard duck quickly became a beloved landmark.
Crafted by wildlife sculptor Neil Mason, the sculpture was funded through a campaign that raised over £5,000.
Once repairs are complete the University plans to restore the statue to its original location and is considering additional protection measures to prevent future damage.