SAN DIEGO — An iconic Japanese garden in Balboa Park is asking for San Diego’s help in finding an irreplaceable bonsai tree that was stolen on Sunday.
The Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park said two people stole a priceless Chinese Elm bonsai tree in the Bonsai Exhibit on Sunday at around 9 p.m.
For decades, Balboa Park visitors have revered the Japanese Friendship Garden’s bonsai trees and koi fish collection.
“In Japanese culture, bonsai trees symbolize patience, strength, and resilience, which is why the exhibit is an integral component of the museum’s living collection,” a statement from the Japanese Friendship Garden said. “We’re grateful to the San Diego Bonsai Club, who help maintain the exhibit, and hope the piece is returned to our museum,”
According to the museum, the stolen Chinese Elm bonsai tree is an irreplaceable loaned exhibit item.
The Japanese Friendship Garden has started a fundraiser that you can find here.
The Japanese Friendship Garden opened in 1991, symbolizing the friendship between San Diego and Yokohama, Japan.
The garden incorporates centuries-old methods and techniques and aims to educate visitors about Japanese culture and community legacy.
WATCH RELATED: San Diego police looking for men caught on camera stealing buddha from University Heights temple
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET CBS 8:
ADD THE CBS8+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE Roku | Amazon Fire