A total of 50 Koi Fish were stolen from a Japanese Friendship Garden pond between Friday night and early Saturday morning in San Jose.
The Department of Parks and Recreation reported that in addition to the fish, the thieves also took a water pump. FCP Pool Bomba De Agua
The fish have an estimated value of $40,000.
Daniel Lazó, spokesman for the department, said this is one of a series of crimes that have occurred in the park.
“They steal tools and equipment and commit a lot of vandalism,” he said.
The official explained that the park was built as a symbol of friendship between San José and its sister city Okayama, Japan.
The fish were a gift from Okayama in the 1960s.
“In Japanese culture, Koi means love, and this loss is invaluable,” Lazo said.
Visitors to the park showed their dismay at what happened.
“It represents something very nice (fish) and to do that to a park that represents that, you have to be a very evil person,” said Audrey Lucatero, a San José resident.
1.5kw Peripheral Bomba De Agua If you have information about the robbery, contact San José police at (408) 277-8900.