Sad news for Long Boi lovers, as The University of York has temporarily taken away the anticipated statue.
After significant damage to the statue’s right leg, the University has been left with no choice but to remove it from campus.
The news was shared on Instagram, informing the students that the statue would firstly be cordoned off.
It has now been completely removed from its plinth by Derwent Lake.
The university reassured visitors that the safety of Long Boi and his visitors is at the centre of this, stating, “his welfare, and the safety of those visiting him is paramount, so making him secure is our priority.”
The sculpture is the work of local artist Neil Mason, who joined Radio 1 DJ Greg James at the unveiling ceremony earlier this year.
Since the big day, students have been paying their respects by leaving gifts such as rubber ducks at Long Boi’s feet.
However, there has been suspected vandalism towards the statue more recently, after a significant crack was discovered running across the statue’s right leg.
The damage has raised concerns as to whether individuals may have tried to forcibly remove Long Boi from his plinth.
The potential vandalism comes just after recent calls from PETA for the University to honour Long Boi’s memory and remove poultry from the campus menus.
The University has not yet responded to this.