Customers of the Nottinghamshire garden centre were saddened by the demise of a mapperely gorilla statue that ‘sparked memories for more than 65,000 people’. The huge gorilla, affectionately called Xavier was loved by the customers of Brookfields Garden Centre in Mapperley who took photographs with him for ten years.
On Thursday, 3 November, the garden center declared it to be an “rather sad morning”, because Xavier was to move on for a new residence. The imposing figure was sold to a client, but this garden center has informed that fans to keep an eye for a replacement figure in the New Year.
In a Facebook post which has racked up many likes Brookfields Garden Centre said: “t’s a rather sad morning this morning, our beloved gigantic Gorilla Xavier has left us to find the next home! know that a lot of our clients have enjoyed visiting Xavier and snapping pictures of his over the years, which is why we thought we’d give our customers the opportunity to come in today at 2pm for one last shot.
“Xavier has been bought by a customer for their family, so he is going to a loving home. We will however be having a new addition in the New Year so watch this space.”
Julie Dachey-Jenkinsis Brookfields Garden Centre’s manager of marketing said that the massive 2.8m Gorilla had been posed with and held by more than 65,000 people in the past decade. “The reason for having him was just a bit of fun, but he’s been a constant for 10 years, and with around 20 people a day we’ve figured out 65,000 people will have sat with him,” Mrs DacheyJenkins claimed.
“He was great for the kids and we’ve had a fantastic response from people sharing their family memories that involved him. We’ll be moving our polar bear into his place, but there will be a new special statue coming soon.”
People shared their posts of sorrow, along with photos of themselves alongside the Gorilla in response to the garden center’s message. Through Facebook, Carole Ball said: “Awwww. Sad that Xavier is moving homes. My grandson liked coming to see him.”
Stacey Ann Ray said: “Oh no, glad we visited recently. Xavier is our girls favourite thing to get a picture with.” Vida Price said: “Ahhhh l have some lovely pictures of him with all four of my grandchildren over the years.”
