Vandals damage monkeys

SOUTH BEND -- Authorities want to know who went ape on some fiberglass chimpanzees in downtown South Bend.\nThree of the 21 chimps have been found damaged since they were put on display around the city last week to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Potawatomi Zoo. One was split in two, while another had its knee smashed and a third has had its nose broken off.\nTish Rogers, director of the Potawatomi Zoological Society, said the damage represents about $10,000 in sponsor donations and hundreds of hours of time donated by the artists who painted the sculptures.\n"This damage is not harmless vandalism; it is a criminal act," Rogers said. "If this continues, this can really put a stop to this project." Rogers said Crime Stoppers has authorized a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest or indictment of anyone involved. "Whether or not we can get them fixed is still up in the air," Rogers said.\nRogers was aware of the potential for vandalism. "We talked with people in other communities (about vandalism) and they said it was probably going to happen," Rogers said.\nSo far, 21 chimps are on display. Three more are still being completed.\nBesides drawing attention to the zoo and its chimp exhibit, the artworks are intended to be a fund-raiser later this fall when they are auctioned off. If vandalism continues, the community-wide art project could be in jeopardy, Rogers said.