Landmark elephant statue once feared ruined given new life

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There is an elephant in the room. Literally.

Locals who frequented the Burlington Center Mall in Burlington, New Jersey might recognize the elephant from the fountain, where it stood since the 1980's.

Once threatened to go under with the now closed mall, "Petals the Elephant" was strapped on a flat bed and hit the road on Friday. The whole effort was made possible by voulnteers.

"So many people, I didn't realize how loved it was, have written to us e-mailed and shown up that were so worried about this," said Petal's sculptor Zenos Frudakis.

Petals first stop was the Laran Bronze Foundry for a facelift. The world renouned company will work to remove contaminants that have built up on the sculpture's surface which will give Petals a richer color.

From there the refurbished Petals will be donated to the New Jersey Art Guild. There, Frudakis believes Petals will be appreciated properly.

"I'm looking forward to that, I think it's going to be great to revitalize the community," said Frudakis. "I think it will hopefully bring the town back."