CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The Sacred Cow Tavern in Cedar Rapids says someone was caught on surveillance camera vandalizing their yard Tuesday night.

Justin Zehr, managing partner of Fun Not Fancy – the restaurant group behind several eastern Iowa eateries – said the vandal broke down the gate and destroyed 50 different species of plants in the garden.

They also took a container of their stain and spread it in several places in the garden.

“This is a very personal project for us because we planned this terrace to leave this space free so that we have a nice, big pollinator bed. That was the plan, the intention, to have a cool, pollinated area for native plants so that we have lots of bees, butterflies and insects,” said Zehr.

He said he and his employees felt abused and were convinced the restaurant was the target of the attack.

Zehr also does not believe that an animal committed the crime, because the damage was too calculated and extensive.

He said they have been working on the garden since the restaurant opened nearly two years ago.

Some community members are now donating their own plants to help the restaurant rebuild.

“It’s really great that we already have a collection of seeds that were just dropped off and that people just wanted to show that they care. That’s super encouraging,” said Zehr.

The Sacred Cow Tavern has provided Iowa’s News Now with security camera photos of the person they believe is responsible for the damage.

The restaurant owners said they have not yet filed a report with Cedar Rapids police.