BERLIN (AP) — Vandals recently set fire to a statue representing a beloved cartoon mouse that serves as a TV star and mascot for children's programming at the German broadcaster WDR. The incident was reported by WDR on Saturday, bringing attention to the disturbing act against a figure cherished by young audiences.
The mouse, known as “Die Maus,” has been the iconic star of the show “Die Sendung mit der Maus” (The Show with the Mouse), which has aired since 1971 in West Germany. The program features animated segments alongside educational content, making it a favorite among children and families for decades. Over the years, “Die Maus” has become more than just a character; it symbolizes learning and entertainment for several generations.
The vandalized statue, designed to reflect the character’s distinctive orange body and brown ears, arms, and legs, stands outside a media building in Cologne, Germany. This location serves as an important hub for WDR's children’s programming, welcoming families and young viewers who come to learn and enjoy the content.
According to WDR, the vandalism was observed by a receptionist who monitored a camera feed overnight from Friday to Saturday. She noticed a group of young individuals around the statue before witnessing flames erupt from the figure. Promptly, she alerted the fire department, which responded to the incident.
Images released after the fire showed portions of the mouse’s face and arm severely blackened, indicating the extent of the damage. Following the event, WDR filed a police complaint against the unidentified individuals responsible for the act, reflecting a community's outrage over the destruction of a cultural symbol.
Matthias Körnich, who leads the children's programming division at WDR, expressed profound sorrow about the incident. Körnich emphasized that the damage done went beyond the figurine itself—remarking that it represented “a piece of childhood, a symbol of joy and togetherness” that has now been attacked. He made it clear that “the mouse belongs to Cologne,” underscoring the character's deep-rooted connection to the city and its residents.
This incident is not an isolated event in Germany’s cultural landscape. In 2009, another German TV character, a depressed loaf of bread known as “Bernd das Brot” (Bernd the Bread), faced a similar fate. Bernd's statue was stolen from its traditional spot outside the town hall in Erfurt, where Germany's children’s public television channel, KiKA, is located. It took nearly two weeks before Bernd was discovered unharmed, having been held hostage during that time, adding a layer of absurdity to the story of a cherished character.
As the community reacts to the vandalism of the mouse statue, many are left questioning the motivations behind such senseless acts against symbols of childhood joy and creativity. The incident not only damages property but also taints the shared cultural experiences associated with beloved characters in children's media.
Such acts of vandalism raise discussions about cultural preservation and respect for the symbols that enrich the lives of children and families. It serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting these icons that contribute to communal joy and educational initiatives.
