Corsicana officials decided to take down a gorilla statue at a city park this week, saying the statue "was offensive to some of our citizens."
Some residents were less than thrilled by the decision.
A small memorial of sorts sprung up around the cage where the gorilla had been stationed at Community Park. On Wednesday, one man, Steven Lord, began sitting inside the cage, refusing to leave until the city promised to return the statue.
The statue was part of a display of other zoo animal statues, including a tiger. Officials also were concerned about the safety of the gorilla, according to a city statement.
"It is the City's goal to depict all the animals in Community Park in a free environment that is safe for children," the statement said. "Other animals will be added to the display including a free-standing gorilla and a tiger."