GALVESTON, Texas (AP) -- The return of a lion statue at one of the island's grandest mansions is perhaps more mysterious than its disappearance.

An unnamed person late last month directed island preservations to the whereabouts of a 3-foot-tall, 80-pound cast zinc statue of a winged lion stolen more than two years ago from the historic Bishop's Palace, 1403 Broadway.

The statue was one in a pair that had adorned the front steps of the Bishop's Palace since it was built in 1893.

The theft baffled officials with the Galveston Historical Foundation, which maintains and operates the mansion owned by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

Foundation officials have declined to divulge many details about the lion's return.

"The statue was found and purchased by an anonymous donor who notified GHF and made it available to staff," it said.

Officials would not address rumors the statue was recovered from the Austin area.

With no leads and so much time passing, the historical foundation despaired of ever again seeing the lion.

"We are delighted to have it back," Dwayne Jones, executive director of the historical foundation, said. "But it will take some repairs to the column and the casting itself before we can put it back where it belongs. It will be a lot more securely fastened this time. We don't want to lose it again."

The winged lion is an ancient mythological figure, depicted in pairs guarding the gates of Assyrian cities and palaces more than 20 centuries ago, according to the historical foundation.

The lions were among a variety of fanciful beasts including griffins and gargoyles that famous island architect Nicholas Clayton included in the design of the property, first known as the Gresham Mansion. Lawyer, legislator and railroad executive Walter Gresham and his family moved into the mansion in 1893.

The mansion, considered one of the most architecturally significant Victorian houses in the United States, became known as Bishop's Palace in 1923 after the archdiocese purchased the property as the home and office of the Rev. Christopher Byrne. Byrne lived there until his death in 1950, officials said.

"It is the most popular historic attraction in Galveston," Jones said.

"People all over really have a lot of affection for it, and for the lions that seem to guard the entrance."

The foundation will plan a celebration of lion's return for some time after the statue has been restored and remounted on its granite and sandstone pillar opposite its twin, Jones said.