WATCH: Dino The Bayville Dinosaur Is Gone, Temporarily

BAYVILLE, NJ - For the first time in more than 80 years, the landmark Dino the dinosaur is not watching over Route 9 in Bayville.

But don't worry. He'll be back once it has been fully and safely restored.

The Bayville landmark is getting some well- deserved TLC and repairs. Dino has long borne the brunt of injuries from trucks and cars over the years, primarily because of his perilous perch so close to the heavily traveled roadway.

"We successfully moved the dinosaur off the highway so it can be properly and safely restored, so you might notice something missing as you drive by, but it will be back soon!" according to the Restore the Bayville Dinosaur facebook page.

L&E Welding of Bayville provided the boom truck to move Dino early Sunday morning.

Artist Shannon MacDonald, who lived across from Dino as a child, is doing the restoration. MacDonald has done work for the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Kiss and many more well-known bands. But her heart is still in Bayville. Born in Paul Kimball Hospital, she is a Bayville native.

"Getting the chance to restore the friendly beast has been a dream for many years," she wrote recently on the Facebook page.

"For anyone that has grown up “Bayville,” I know you have watched the dinosaur go through many changes, many colors and many decapitations," she said. "I hope this new change suits all of you and takes you back to your own memories of a far younger and simpler Bayville… when the innocence of simply visiting a man-made dinosaur was more than enough to put a smile on your face."

MacDonald expects a grand unveiling in early September.

Dino has watched over Bayville since taxidermist Will Farrow purchased him from a Sinclair dealer back in 1932. He has withstood blizzards, hurricanes, Superstorm Sandy and numerous motorists smacking into him. He developed a large crack around his neck earlier this year.and residents and officials became concerned for his survival.

The Save the Dinosaur Committee was born in the spring of 2015. Local historian Steve Baeli was selected as chairman. Other members include Mayor Carmen F. Amato Jr., James Fosbre, chairman of the Berkeley Township Historical Society.

Committee members and volunteers removed Dino's head and a portion of his neck back then, to prevent any further damage.

Dino will be moved back from the roadway, his body turned slightly to the left and his tail curled around him, MacDonald said.

He will be reinforced with Fiberglas and smoothed out. Lighted green eyes will be placed in his sockets and his mouth will be lit up red. He'll be painted with a special paint that defies graffiti artists, she said.

To read about what Dino has endured over the years, read this column Baeli wrote several years.

The Zangari family, the owners of the Heritage Square Professional Center, graciously gave permission for Dino to stay where he has been for so many years.

Photos: Courtesy of Restore the Bayville Dinosaur Facebook page. Video: youtube, Steve Baeli.