UPDATE on Historic Wolf Tragically Stolen From Eden Park

**UPDATE**

Though we are disappointed the original statue has not been located, Cincinnati Parks is pleased to report efforts are well underway to replace the Capitoline Wolf Statue right back to its home within Cincinnati’s storied Eden Park.

After the tragic theft, Cincinnati Parks was overwhelmed with calls and messages from frustrated citizens offering their support in seeing the statue is replaced. It is evident this magnificent artwork is the source of many fond memories from park visitors throughout the region spanning many generations. The Order of the Sons & Daughter's of Italy in America Cincinnati Chapter (who oversaw the placement of the original statue gifted from Rome in 1931), have stepped forward to join forces with Cincinnati Parks and the Cincinnati Parks Foundation to lead the restoration effort.

The Order of the Sons & Daughter's of Italy in America were able to make contact with officials in Rome to develop a plan to recreate the historic piece of art meant to recognize the historic connection and goodwill between Rome and Cincinnati. The remaining base of the statue has been removed and shipped to Italy where it will be used by Italian artists to fabricate the restoration. Specifically, they will use the paw to replicate the scale and match the bronze mixture of the new cast. Then, the original paw will be melted and added to the new bronze mixture allowing part of the original to become part of the restored wolf. It will then be shipped back to Cincinnati where it will reclaim its home nestled within Eden Park in Walnut Hills. The project will also include security enhancements and signage recognizing the extraordinary civic effort taking place to take a terrible wrong and make it right.

The fundraising campaign will be led by the Cincinnati Parks Foundation, the official Philanthropic partner of Cincinnati Parks, and will be announced soon.

We want to thank all those who have reached out about this episode and look forward to sharing updates about the restoration as they become available.

Original article

It is with regret that we must inform you the historic Capitolene Wolf Statue gifted to the City of Cincinnati in 1931 from the City of Rome was stolen from Eden Park. Sometime last evening, someone cut through the bronze paws from the statue and removed it.  

As you know, we often deal with vandalism, litter and dumping issues in our parks, however given the historical nature of this piece this is beyond disappointing. Public works such as this displayed throughout our parks have historical significance and are intended to be exhibited for the enjoyment and study of the general public.  

Fortunately, we have a strong relationship with the Police Department when issues such as this arise and we are working with them to investigate and hopefully recover the statue. We are also working internally to assess the value of the piece.  

We are asking anyone with knowledge of who is responsible, or where the statue is, to report it to the Police immediately so that those responsible may be held accountable. 

About the Statue  

The Capitolene Wolf, a bronze sculpture depicting the infants Romulus and Remus with a mother wolf, is a replica of the ancient Etruscan statue on the Capitolene Hill in Rome. It was a gift from the City of Rome in 1932, arranged by the Sons of Italy to honor the Roman general Cincinnatus, for whom Cincinnati was named. The statue is inscribed with “Anno X,” which translates to the year 1931.