Tragedy was averted Friday morning after 911 calls reported a giraffe wandering through town and a ransom note was found on the Mayor’s office door.
911 operators were flooded with reports of giraffe sightings on Washington Avenue, along the river, and Quaker Neck Road.
A spokesperson for local law enforcement emergency workers said that they started receiving frantic calls around 6 am this morning.
A town crew was dispatched to the park next to the water treatment plant to check on Binny, the town’s mascot. Binny appeared to be safe and sound.
“He’s jumping around like it’s some kind of party,” said Hugh “Chuck” Riley, Chestertown Mobile Security (CMS) services.
Binny, a 15 ft-year-old West African giraffe, was bequeathed to the town last Spring along with $27 million from the estate of Jacob Willougby of Richmond, Virginia. Willoughby was a wealthy peanut farmer, veterinarian and animal activist whose connection to Chestertown still remains a mystery. A postcard, postmarked February 17, 1971, with a photograph of Fountain Park and a note inscribed, “Until April, Monica”, was found among his estate papers. No one named Monica has stepped forward to shed light on the matter.
Many first-hand reports of the sightings are being made available.
Sheryl Boady, a Queen Anne’s resident, told the Spy “I was driving to work at 6am, on your side of the bridge and there it was, a damn giraffe standing along 213. He tried to get in my car. He leaned in and took my lunch bag. I always knew Kent County was whacked. You guys need help.”
“I was having my morning coffee watching the sunrise over the river and along came Binny, wading in the river. He looked so serene. This is what Chestertown is all about. It’s just the best here,” said Water Street resident Ruth Arkins.
Chestertown Mayor, Chris Cerino said that his office received a ransom note for the return of the town’s 15 ft mascot. The note, made from newspaper clippings, was discovered taped to the Mayor’s office door. Cerino said that the note read, “We’ve got Binny, build the new Marina or the big guy gets it”.
“It’s despicable that someone would stoop as low as this to make a point. We all want a new marina. But when you drag Binny into it, things get personal. Thankfully our pal is unharmed and back home,” Cerino said.
Chestertown Attorney Stewart Barroll, who first received notice of the gift last March and has become trustee of the estate told the Spy that “All conditions for the estate have been met to keep the trust in tact, and more importantly, to ensure Binny’s well-being for now and the future. We’ve worked out a good lease agreement with the town for Binny’s park, and have agreed to pay double all utility fees incurred.”
In an related incident, a man wearing a giraffe costume was admitted to Chestertown Hospital Emergency Room.
Chief admitting physician Dr. Darla Cousins said the man suffered from blunt force trauma and a deep bite wound along his left shoulder.
“MRIs showed that he’s probably going to be ok,” she said, “although he will in all likelihood have a U-shaped hoof mark for the rest of his pitiful life. I’m sorry could you strike that?”
The name of the man has not been released to the public.
“We know without doubt that the person in the hospital is involved in this incident. His pockets were stuffed with acacia leaves and carrots. It takes more than a Halloween costume and carrot to trick Binny. And Binny must have held back. It’s well-documented that one kick can kill a lion,” a police spokesperson said.
“We think this guy is the sole member of CCFM, Concerned Citizens for a Faster Marina. We cited him a few months ago for trying to dredge the river with a garden hose and a bicycle pump. We’ll be speaking with him as soon as he’s conscious. At this time, we believe he is only a hazard to himself.”
Concerned with the giraffe’s health, his personal vet was being flown in from the San Diego Zoo.
“The estate funds cover emergencies like these, “Barroll says. “The funds were well-invested last year, and after investing in real acacia trees, we have enough to fly in his personal vet. We’ll Have a comprehensive report by this evening.”
Kent County resident Raoul Fabian told the Spy that he was upset with this morning’s events.
“Using animals to make a political statement is contemptable. This is abuse and oppression of the highest order. If you hurt Binny, you hurt me, you hurt all of us. We are Binny,” Fabian said.
Fabian added that he was so upset with the kidnapping attempt that he was starting non-profit organization to raise funds to support local animal welfare efforts and to “acknowledge the brave people out there who have gone the extra mile to help animals, like, you know, the firemen who crawl down storm drains to save baby ducks. Makes me cry just saying it.”
Editor’s Note: At deadline the Spy was notified that Binny his fine. We were also told that it’s April Fools Day.
Joe Lill says
Je suis Binny!
Mary Ellen Valliant says
Good. Really good. April fools.
Marshall Barroll says
Let’s see, Mr Willoughby’s postcard from February 17th, kinda close to Valentine’s Day. Monica, hmm…I bet there’s a great love story in there somewhere. Probably to do with Fountain Park. More research req’d.
CURT Nelson says
Where will Binny live?
Nick Stoer says
We’re happy that The Spy appreciates a Barroll full of laughs….
Marshall Barroll says
Ahaa! Good one Nick… Binny for new Town Mascot! (All due respect to Lucy the Goose.)