Famous Acrobat 'Heartbroken' Over Theft of $25K Unicycle

Rong Niu, aka the 'Red Panda Acrobat,' has had that unicycle for 30 years

By Newser Editors and Wire Services

Posted Feb 1, 2018 2:30 PM CST

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Famous Acrobat 'Heartbroken' Over Theft of $25K Unicycle — In this March 7, 2004, file photo, Rong Niu of China performs during the halftime break of the New York Knicks-Washington Wizards game by tossing bowls with her right foot and catching them with her head as she balances on a unicycle in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

Someone at the San Francisco International Airport stole a 7-foot unicycle used by the "Red Panda Acrobat" for her plate-juggling routine, and the legendary performer is offering a $2,000 reward to get it back, the AP reports. KTVU-TV reports that police on Wednesday released surveillance photos from Jan. 24 that show a man wheeling away a black bag containing the $25,000 unicycle belonging to acrobat Rong Niu. The suspect is described as having a red beard and ponytail and sporting Skechers footwear.

Niu is known for juggling plates on her head and feet while balancing on a unicycle during halftime at sporting events. She's a regular performer for the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, and Los Angeles Lakers. She's also appeared on America's Got Talent. Niu's agent, Pat Figley, says she's had that unicycle for 30 years and is heartbroken. "It's like her baby was kidnapped," he says. Figley notes that the person may have even taken it by mistake; he says they'll accept it back without any questions.

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