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Students Flagged In Theft Of Gorilla

Tribune photo by JASON BEHNKEN

The gorilla, named Pickemup, was found in a room in the Smiley Hall dormitory at the University of Tampa, not far from the scene of Wednesday's crime.

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By NEIL JOHNSON

njohnson@tampatrib.com

Published: January 30, 2009

TAMPA - A mechanical gorilla's 22-hour ordeal at the hands of ape-nappers is over.

The 6-foot-tall gorilla was recovered Thursday afternoon, and police were returning it to its rightful home at State Vacuum on Kennedy Boulevard.

The gorilla, named Pickemup, was found in a room in the Smiley Hall dormitory at the University of Tampa, not far from the scene of Wednesday's crime.

The discovery came when campus security reviewed surveillance video after an anonymous tip that the gorilla was being hidden in a dorm room.

Two female students, as yet unidentified, are to blame for the gorilla's disappearance.

"The students did apologize," said UT spokesman Eric Cardenas. "It's just a poor decision by a couple of students."

They could face discipline ranging from eviction from the residence hall to community service or suspension.

"They will go through our judicial process on campus," Cardenas said.

Surveillance video caught two women loading Pickemup into a black, late-model Acura hatchback about 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, store owner David Epstein said.

Epstein said he does not want to press criminal charges.

"It was a prank, that's all it was," Epstein said. "Hopefully, they've learned their lesson."

Different generations of the mechanical gorillas have waved at drivers for 35 years, but this is the first time one was stolen.

In a salute to the Super Bowl, Pickemup had been adorned in an Arizona Cardinals jersey, and his gorilla partner, Suckemup, in a Pittsburgh Steelers jersey.

The gorillas cost about $1,200 each. Each has a lifespan of about six years before wind, sun and rain send them into retirement. Pickemup is a new arrival, having stood outside about seven or eight months. The mechanical gorilla was in good shape when it was returned to the store Thursday, but it was missing its Cardinals jersey.

"It's good to have him home again," Epstein said. "He's a little traumatized. We have to put him through therapy."

Reporter Neil Johnson can be reached at (813) 259-7731.

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