A gorilla statue has been removed from a kids community park in Corsicana, Texas for being racially insensitive, CBS News reports.

After growing complaints, Mayor Don Denbow decided that it was in the city's best interest to remove the statute temporarily. 

“We can understand this, because we have an obligation to listen to all our citizens, to determine what is offensive and not, especially in public places,” said Denbow.

A part of the community park has a circus theme, and the caged gorilla statue has been around for 19 years. The cage is meant to reflect that theme, put also to give local children something to climb and play on. The gorilla is named Dobby, and some residents are upset about the removal. 

“It was a little strange, a little random, very unexpected,” one resident said.  

Another tweeted their distaste: 

Mayor Denbow says he hopes to bring the gorilla statute back "in some form" that will please everyone.

 As for now, a memorial was set up in the park for Dobby the gorilla and a Facebook page was created in his honor, which already has over 1,000 likes. 

Texas