A 19th-century decorative lion’s head weighing 30 kilograms has been stolen from a fountain in a park in Winterthur, Canton Zurich. Police in the Swiss city have called for witnesses who think they may have seen or heard something during the theft to come forward. 

Lion’s head present on statue since 19th century

The missing lion’s head is one of two decorative pieces made from steel that were cast specially for the city of Winterthur in the 19th century. The fountain itself is located on the edge of the old town of Winterthur, in the Lindengutpark on the General-Guisan-Strasse side. 

The park, which is also known as Vögelipark, is still home to the other lion’s head that remains attached to the fountain, with water still spraying out of its mouth. The missing lion was reported by an employee of the city of Winterthur who noticed the piece was gone during a routine cleaning.

Missing lion’s head worth 10.000 Swiss francs

The police are now hunting for the thief who took this well-loved fountainhead. According to the police, the value of the lion’s head is said to be around 10.000 Swiss francs. Investigators believe that the fountain piece must have been stolen on the night of May 23 to 24. Officials are now asking local residents who may have witnessed the theft to call them on 052 267 51 52.