BOWEN'S iconic Big Mango has been found after food chain Nando's claimed responsibility over the disappearance of the fruit.
Nando’s Australia PR Manager Jude Leon released a statement this morning with an accompanying video showing exactly how they “stole” the seven-tonne, 10-metre high mango.
Mr Leon said the police were also in on the joke.
“Nando’s would like to thank the people of Bowen for being good sports about us ‘borrowing’ their beautiful mango,” Mr Leon said.
“We promise we’re taking good care of it and it will be returned to its rightful position soon(ish),” he said.
Mr Leon said all will be revealed as to why Nando’s stole the mango on Friday morning with suspicions it could have something to do with a new shop opening or perhaps a new delicacy, mango chicken.
The 10-metre high Big Mango went missing after an apparent heist on Sunday night. Staff at the Bowen Tourist Information Centre arrived at work on Monday morning to find the $90,000 Big Mango had vanished.
On Monday evening, a sale ad for the Big Mango was posted on Gumtree for just $300.
"Looking to sell a 10 metre mango," the ad reads.
"Only selling because i don't use anymore as i have a perfectly good Giant Pineapple statue."
The supposed thieves, or at least a copycat version, said they were willing to swap the 10m tall mango for a giant banana or kangaroo.
It is yet to be seen whether the Big Mango’s disappearance is simply a publicity ploy or the work of mastermind criminals.
Bowen is the mango production capital of Australia and the Big Mango was erected in 2002 as a tourist attraction. According to the Tourism Bowen website, the idea for the Big Mango was first suggested by a local councilor.
