Trio of vandalised Waddle of Worcester penguins joins trail

Starlit Journey, Percy and Kingfisher Azure were forcibly removed from their plinths last month while one of them had to be recovered from the River Severn.

They are three of 80 penguin sculptures on the Waddle of Worcester trail, which is a Wild in Art event that was brought to the city to raise money for St Richard's Hospice. 

Severn Trent CCTV showed Starlit Journey being bulldozed down by vandals last month. (Image: Waddle of Worcester) Their return comes after West Mercia Police revealed they want to speak to two men about the vandalism which happened at around 1am on Tuesday, August 20.

Sara Matthews, business development manager for St Richard’s Hospice, said: “We’re very happy to say that our trio of poorly penguins will return from ‘ice-olation’ this weekend.

“A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the repair fundraiser set up by our friends at Worcestershire Ambassadors, which has raised a brrr-illiant £2,300.

CAN YOU HELP? West Mercia Police would like to speak to the two people pictured (Image: West Mercia Police) "Thanks also to the lovely people at Sanctuary who are covering the cost of repairs to their penguin Starlit Journey.

"The generosity of all parties involved in repairing and restoring the sculptures means that repair costs will be covered in full. 

"We cannot thank our community enough for huddling around us in our time of need.”

Kingfisher Azure was found dumped in the River Severn. (Image: Waddle of Worcester) Trail organisers had been racing against time to restore all three penguins before the trail ends on Sunday, September 15.

The three sculptures needed fibreglass repair, repainting, and re-varnishing, with drying time in between. 

HAPPY: Percy has also re-joined the trail with his penguin friends. (Image: Waddle of Worcester) Ms Matthews added: “In the spirit of making them available as speedily as possible - and protecting their very fresh coats of paint and varnish - all three will be found in our pop-up penguin shop at 14 Chapel Walk, Crowngate Shopping Centre, from Saturday, September 7 until the end of the trail on Sunday, September 15."

West Mercia Police revealed they are still trying to identify two men believed to have been in the area at the time of the incident that damaged the three penguins last month. 

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "If you know who the men are or have information to help with the investigation, please contact PC Kimberley by emailing imogen.kimberley@westmercia.police.uk."