Big Bonsai heist: Officials search for 60-year-old tree stolen from museum

SEATTLE (AP) — A Bonsai tree worth more than $2,000 was stolen from the Pacific Bonsai Museum Monday and officials are asking for its return, no questions asked.

The Seattle Times reports that the 60-year-old juniper tree, measuring just 16 inches, was snatched early Monday. Security alarms were activated at 4:40 a.m. Someone likely jumped the fence to the outdoor museum, snatched the tree, and sounded the alarm.

Bonsai Museum curator Aarin Packard says a gardener discovered the tree's pot beyond the museums pence, but the plant was missing.

Packard said the tree could be fine with the proper care, but without bonsai expertise it will only survive a day or two. Aarin Packard, the museum's curator, called the theft a "tremendous loss."

"This tree has been cared for every day for 60 years, and if that daily care doesn't continue the tree will die," Packard said. "These living works of ar are the result of the care provided by multiple generations."

Anyone with information about the tree’s whereabouts should email kathy@pacificbonsaimuseum.org.