The iconic elephant sculpture designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, which supports an obelisk in Rome's central Minerva Square, was discovered with one of its tusks broken on Tuesday evening. The local municipal authorities were alerted at 9:00 PM local time when it was confirmed that part of the tusk was broken, and the detached piece was subsequently found. This finding raises concerns about the sculpture's preservation and the potential need for urgent restoration work.

The recovered fragment of the tusk has been handed over to the municipal technicians, who will analyze the damage and determine the necessary steps for restoration. This incident is not the first for the sculpture; it had prior damage when the left tusk was broken by unknown individuals in November 2016. The history of vandalism and damage to this notable piece of art adds to the urgency of addressing the current situation promptly and effectively.

Authorities are currently investigating whether this latest damage was a result of intentional vandalism, an accident, or caused by recent adverse weather conditions, including heavy rains. The police have requested surveillance footage from nearby cameras to gather more information on the incident. Maintaining the cultural heritage embodied by such sculptures is essential for preserving the historical and artistic significance of Rome, making the investigation and subsequent actions particularly important for the city's heritage.