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SALT LAKE CITY -- The four original lions that guarded the State Capitol nearly a century are in bad shape. The Capitol Preservation Board has no need for them, so they're getting rid of them.
The concrete beasts have seen better days. About 100 years old, it's been 10 years since they last guarded the capitol.
"As we started the restoration around 2000, those lions were removed because we were doing some work on the steps on the east and west side," said David Hart, executive director of the Capitol Preservation Board.
Just recently, the board decided it was time to get rid of the cats and voted to put them on eBay.
"I think maybe a buck," he laughed. "They are of no value to us."
Replacing the relics: four new and improved lions.
"These are out of marble that came from Italy," Hart said. "These lions are unique because they are somewhat docile. You can see they are awake, not asleep, and more welcoming than they are ferocious."
The new lions should last at least 100 years.
Bidding for the old lions starts Monday. The money made, which they're not expecting a lot, will go to Utah State Surplus, which is currently storing the lions.
E-mail: abutterfield@ksl.com
