Thieves Swipe Parts of Beloved Bear Mascot, Leave Head Behind

A $500 reward is being offered for the return of Wonder Bear's missing parts

A popular Jersey Shore amusement park is asking for the return of its mascot's missing parts, swiped by thieves over the weekend.

Wonder Bear is the decades-old mascot of Gillian's Wonderland Pier in Ocean City. Early Sunday morning, workers found only Wonder Bear's head, feet and one hand after burglars broke into a room where the costume was stored.

“For the bear to be missing like it is, it is a shock to us all," said John Kavchok, General Manager of Gillian's Wonderland Pier.

The mascot's torso and other hand were taken by the thieves. Gillian's is offering a $500 reward for the return of the missing bear parts or for information on his whereabouts.

“Hopefully something will turn up and we’ll find the guys that did it and we’ll get our bear back," said Kavchok.

Police tell NBC10 that no charges will be filed if the mascot is returned.

Visitors to the park say Wonder Bear is missed and hope he's returned soon.

"I was looking forward to seeing Wonder Bear in the character parade on the boardwalk the other day too, then I found out what happened. I hope he's found very soon," said Richard Concepcion on Gillian's Facebook page.

Other fans of Wonder Bear vowed to go on their own bear hunt.

"I arrive Friday afternoon. I will get to the bottom of this if it takes my whole vacation. We will begin canvassing upon arrival," said John Federico on Gillian's Facebook page.

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