Quote:

Inflatable gorilla on the loose


STANWOOD, Wash. (AP) — Police here are looking for an oversized — but rather limp — gorilla.

Owner Mike McDaniel said the 25-foot blue and yellow inflatable animal was cut from its tether after the air was let out because of high winds last week.

The oversized ape had been used to advertise a hot tub sale at a shopping mall. A fan used to inflate the unnamed gorilla also was stolen, according to police.

McDaniel has offered a $500 reward for return of the big monkey. He said it would cost $5,000 to replace and he stands to lose $1,500 in rental income by the time a new one arrives.

At the same sale last year, vandals slashed the gorilla's leg.


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