Vandals have broken into an old cave and caused irreversible damage rock formations more than two million years ago.
NSW Police are appealing for information after finding stalactites and speleothems – mineral formations that hang from cave ceilings – in the Jillabenan Cave at Kosciuszko National Park had been cut in half at some point over a six-day period.
The Jillabenan Cave, which extends 150m into the ground, is the oldest cave in Yarrangopilly Cave. It is a popular tourist attraction.
It is believed that the intruders entered cave system between Sunday October 17th and Saturday October 23rd.
Vandals have entered an iconic cave and caused irreversible damage to rock formations over two million year old.
The vandals may have used heavy-duty tools to remove the millions of year old formations. Some were even cut down to the middle.
After receiving reports of significant damage, authorities were summoned to the cave.
The vandals may have used heavy-duty tools to remove the millions of year old formations. Some were even cut down to the middle.
Other stalactites hanging from the roof were also removed in a shocking display if irreverence.
In a shocking display criminality, other stalactites hanging from roofs have had their ends cut.
The formations have been there for millions of years. The damage that vandals have done is irreversible.
Police discovered that the padlock that secured the cave had been removed, and that the power distribution board had also been damaged.
One image is particularly alarming. It shows a massive formation that stands taller than an adult who has been cut in half.
Others show stalactites cut off onto the ground and lying in a heap.
Police are asking the public to contact Crime Stoppers or Tumut Police if they have any information.
They are continuing to investigate the shocking destruction.
Some formations seem to have been cut in half by vandals