Mouse figure in Cologne: arsonists still on the run!

Mouse figure in Cologne: arsonists still on the run!

There is currently great mourning in downtown Cologne for a special friend of the children: the mouse figure who stands in front of the WDR building on Mörsergasse. On the night of July 26, 2025, unknown persons set fire to this 1.70 meter high statue, causing it to be heavily charred on one side. The Cologne public prosecutor's office has taken over the investigation into property damage. However, the game of hide-and-seek surrounding those responsible has so far been unsuccessful, as they have not yet been found two and a half months after the incident.

The incident, which shocked many Cologne residents, was immediately reported by WDR, which filed a complaint of arson. In the meantime, passers-by showed their condolences and plastered the damaged statue. The mouse is not only a popular photo object, but has also blossomed into a small work of art over the years, which some citizens do not leave uncommented. Elisabeth from Cologne commented that the figure had to be preserved as is, which underlines the high emotional value of the statue.

The Return of the Mouse

Despite the unpleasant incident, the mouse figure was taken to a special workshop for repairs and is now in good health again. Since the end of August it has been in its old place in new splendor. The burn that was hidden under the fans' loving plasters is no longer visible. The WDR also recorded the children's reactions - many sent consoling pictures and greetings because the mouse is “under treatment”. Fans and young visitors were extremely creative and brought home-painted pictures or small gifts to express their sadness and support.

“The situation hurt many children,” Manfred Mahlberg from Schweinheim reported urgently. Many well wishes for the mouse arrive at the WDR reception every day, and Udo Dietrich, the WDR gatekeeper, said that many children are sad and close to tears. As a small thank you, everyone who shows their concern receives a sticker, and the mail is taken to the Mouse office, where all letters are read and answered.

The mouse is not only a defining element of German television history, but also a symbol of solidarity in Cologne. As soon as the mouse figure needs another short stay, he will continue to be represented by a large sticker on the WDR building. The children's curiosity remains intact: a virtual reality mouse that becomes visible through the cell phone camera ensures that a piece of them lives on in the digital world.

In the end, there will never be too much talk about the mouse in the Cologne community and it will always have a place in the hearts of the little ones too. Many children will continue to visit the mouse character with a big smile and full of anticipation, who has delighted them with stories and knowledge for many years. The case remains not only a call for solidarity, but also a sign of how important such figures are for the community.

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