Margaret River's prehistoric sentry returns to greet visitors

Despite heavy rains throughout the week, Mr Meyburgh has been a regular appearance on the corner of Bussell Highway as the repaired sculpture was damaged in wild storms in May this year.

Affectionately known as “Zyggy”, the depiction of the 46,000 year old mammal was created by Mr Meyburgh and has become well known among visitors to the region for being a prime photographic subject.

Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association group operations manager Steve Harrison said the return of the prehistoric presence to the main street was a relief for all involved.

“We are pleased to report that rumours of our beloved Zyggy becoming extinct were totally premature,” said Mr Harrison.

“Thanks to the resuscitation efforts of cave guide, sculptor & megafauna veterinarian extraordinaire Alan Meyburgh, Zyggy has been given the all-clear, and returned to her position at the front of the Margaret River Visitor Centre, fitter and healthier than ever.”

Mr Meyburgh was in front of the Visitor Centre on Friday night under a makeshift tent as the rain poured, where he waved to passing locals and interested visitors.

Mr Harrison said the signage at the site had many tourists searching for Zyggy during the absence.

“There have been reports of visitors becoming very confused having read the sign telling the story of giant megafauna that once roamed these parts, only to look down at Zyggy’s abandoned baby, barely the size of a pot-belly pig.”

The sculptures form a larger megafauna discovery trail throughout the region, with other prehistoric depictions found at the association’s limestone cave locations.