Meadow Gold says the search is on for its beloved Lani Moo.

Lani Moo, who symbolizes the state's largest dairy, was taken from an employee's vehicle at the Meadow Gold plant on Cedar Street at about 7:20 p.m. Wednesday.

The costume was in a black-and-blue Samsonite bag that was taken by the cow-stealing bandits along with other personal items. The company hopes the burglars unwittingly took Lani Moo and will discard her after opening the suitcase.

Meadow Gold is warning the public not to approach Lani Moo if she is not at an official Meadow Gold event. The company is worried the culprits who stole the costume will use it to commit a crime.

“;Who knows what they might do in the costume,”; said Meadow Gold spokeswoman Mia Inoshita. “;Our concern is she might be misrepresented.”;

Meadow Gold has one more costume of the cuddly cow, the company's ambassador for health and nutrition who often appears at events promoting health, nutrition or physical activity.

“;We're sad. Lani Moo's gone,”; Inoshita said. “;She's our ambassador for over 60 years. We don't want her image tarnished in any way. We'd also just like her costume back.”;

Anyone with information on the mascot's whereabouts or who has seen her is asked to call Meadow Gold at 949-6161.