Gorilla statue ‘evicted’ from woman’s house in Yorkshire finds a new home in Mayfair

He faced an uncertain future after being evicted from his home by the local council. 

But Caesar, the 4ft fibreglass gorilla, has found a new place to stay after becoming a viral sensation.

The primate has been adopted by long-haul travel specialists Flight Centre and is now taking pride of place at their store on South Molton Street in London.

It’s a long way from the house in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, where he had been proudly displayed on a platform by owner Adele Teale for the last 12 months. 

The 59-year-old loves gorillas and Caesar had previously spent 15 years at her home in Leeds without causing any issues. 

But earlier this year Wakefield Council told her someone had complained and she had to remove him as she hadn’t got planning permission.

Caesar had never visited London before and took a scenic route to his new residence, posing at Big Ben, dropping in on Downing Street, and cruising through Piccadilly Circus.

Joe Beevis, general manager of Flight Centre, said: ‘We send nature lovers to see wildlife in Africa every year, so when we heard Caesar needed a new home, it felt like the natural fit. Caesar is a reminder that the best wildlife encounters are live ones. 

‘Booking with companies who take sustainable tourism seriously, such as our travel partner Intrepid Travel, means the animals, their habitats and local communities that make those moments possible can continue to thrive.’

‘We took Caesar’s welfare extremely seriously on the journey down from Wakefield, and, on arrival in London we felt it was only right to show him the sights of our great city.

‘He’s now installed at our South Molton Street store and is adjusting to Mayfair life very well. We’ve had no complaints, though he has developed strong opinions about the air conditioning.’

Adele, Caesar’s owner, added: ‘Caesar has been part of my life for more than 20 years and I wasn’t going to give up on him without a fight, but I’m really glad this is how it’s ended up. 

‘“’He’s not gone forever; he’s just heading to London for a bit, which feels very him.

‘I was glad to be there to hand him over in person and I know he’s going to be properly looked after by Flight Centre, who care as much about animal welfare as I do.’

Caesar’s fans can see him in person at Flight Centre’s store on South Molton Street, Mayfair. 

To celebrate Caesar’s arrival, Flight Centre is offering 10% off selected Africa Tours with Intrepid Travel for a limited time.

Visit the website for more details.