diff --git a/doc/fixes34.1 b/doc/fixes34.1
index 261ee4cef..6fbf4a557 100644
--- a/doc/fixes34.1
+++ b/doc/fixes34.1
@@ -94,6 +94,7 @@ minetn-6 could place downstairs in a cut-off location
 corpses in bones files don't retain their role characteristic
 boulder was not displayed if blind and discovered with a monster known via
 	ESP behind it
+don't claim that statue comes to life if the monster it turns into is invisible
 
 
 Platform- and/or Interface-Specific Fixes
diff --git a/src/trap.c b/src/trap.c
index dbaaee746..de5a97c8e 100644
--- a/src/trap.c
+++ b/src/trap.c
@@ -443,9 +443,11 @@ int *fail_reason;
 	if (mon->m_ap_type) seemimic(mon);
 	else mon->mundetected = FALSE;
 	if ((x == u.ux && y == u.uy) || cause == ANIMATE_SPELL)
-	    pline_The("statue comes to life!");
+	    pline_The("statue %s!",
+		canspotmon(mon) ? "comes to life" : "disappears");
 	else if (cause == ANIMATE_SHATTER)
-	    pline("Instead of shattering, the statue suddenly comes alive!");
+	    pline("Instead of shattering, the statue suddenly %s!",
+		canspotmon(mon) ? "comes to life" : "disappears");
 	else /* cause == ANIMATE_NORMAL */
 	    You("find %s posing as a statue.",
 		canspotmon(mon) ? a_monnam(mon) : something);