Neighborhood prefers bird mural to chimp

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SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 11 (UPI) -- A Texas artist whose proposed mural featuring a chimp dressed like a hula dancer was rejected said neighborhood leaders preferred a bird in a German hat.

Robert Tatum said his proposed mural of a bird in a German hat to adorn the side of a small office building met with a warmer reception from the San Antonio city Office of Historic Preservation and the King William Association in the King William Historic District than his original design, the San Antonio Express-News reported Monday.

Tatum's original design featured a chimp in a bikini top and grass skirt with "Tibetan dream clouds" coming from its open head. He said neighborhood leaders were concerned the mural could be seen as culturally insensitive.

"I think the most important thing is to be mature about it," Tatum said of the mural dispute.

He said the King William Association will be given a final rendering of the replacement design, a bird with a German hat, and will then vote to give it final approval.