Hare in Mandela's ear leaves South African government hopping mad

A 9-metre (30-feet) bronze statue of the late former South African President Nelson Mandela is unveiled as part of the Day of Reconciliation Celebrations at the Union Buildings in Pretoria December 16, 2013. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's government is up in arms over a bronze rabbit crafted inside the ear of a large statue of former president Nelson Mandela unveiled last month.

The government said it wanted the creature removed to "restore integrity" to the 9-metre (30 foot) bronze sculpture of the anti-apartheid hero, who died on December 5 aged 95.