Your eyes do not deceive you: That’s an 8-foot-tall gorilla being installed on top of the Route 66 Centennial Arch in Galena, Kansas.
The Gus the Gorilla is the mascot for Pittsburg State University in nearby Pittsburg, Kansas.
Sign Designs in Joplin, Missouri, installed the figure, KSNF-TV reported.
This entire project is the brainchild of former Galena Mayor, Dale Oglesby — who told us last year he’s had this in mind since 2011. Future plans include turning three acres into a centennial park.
As for the 400-pound Gus – he won’t sit up there alone. The hope is to also soon add a bulldog, an eagle and a lion (mascots from other area schools).
“We’re trying to showcase with this arch, not only Route 66 and celebrating its 100-foot wide arch — one foot for every year — but also celebrate the bridge from the past to the future. And, we believe that education plays a major role in that,” said Oglesby.
The original trusses at the site came from Joplin’s East Middle School after the tornado; thus, along with The Mother Road’s history, Oglesby’s mission of incorporating the education element.
The Gorillas were also the mascot of the now-defunct Picher High School, just off Route 66 in the nearly abandoned town of Picher, Oklahoma.
Murals have also been added to the sides of the archway.
The Route 66 Centennial Archway sits on Front Street (aka Route 66) in Galena, a short distance from the Cars on the Route landmark.
(Screen-capture image from KOAM-TV video of Gus the Gorilla being installed on the Route 66 Centennial Arch in Galena, Kansas)