Giant cat statue stolen from Portland waterfront

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- A 6-foot tall cat statue, slated to be auctioned at the end of October in a fundraiser for Doernbecher Children's Hospital, was stolen from Coraline's Curious Cat Trail at Tom McCall Waterfront Park.

The "Keep Portland Weird" statue, one of 30 displayed on the trail, was taken sometime between late Friday and early Saturday, officials with the Portland Metro Chamber and Downtown Portland Clean & Safe said.

Thousands of people have visited Coraline's Curious Cat Trail since it opened. Each of the 31 statues was set to be auctioned on October 30 in a fundraiser for the children's hospital. The cat trail will remain open until October 13.

Artist Celeste Potgeiter said she's disappointed and wants the statue returned.

"It's not cool stealing, period. And especially if it affects others," Potgeiter told KOIN 6 News. "I would appeal to whoever has it to bring it back. It's not cool. Just bring it back."

Sydney Mead, the senior director of programs for Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, said each of the artworks are part of a "much larger fundraising effort" for Doernbecher's.

“We ask for the safe return of this cat statue so we can continue supporting this important cause," Mead said in a statement. "Despite this unfortunate incident, the citizens of Portland have been exceptional caretakers of this art trail. We are grateful for those who continue to support this one-of-a-kind project in our city."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Mead at smead@portlandalliance.com or direct an email to mwells@portlandalliance.com.