Popular gorilla army descends on London
A prominent London landmark is set to be invaded by a multi-coloured gorilla army later this month.
On 16 September, twenty life-sized gorilla statues – all individually decorated by British artists – will be unveiled in the shadow of Tower Bridge.
The replicas, part of a larger 61-strong gorilla exhibition entitled Wow! Gorillas, will take pride of place on the banks of the Thames outside More London.
Featuring an array of characters including an Elvis lookalike, a surfer, a zoo-keeper and a pirate, the painted gorillas have spent the summer located at strategic points around the city of Bristol.
They are heading to the capital ahead of a major auction on 29 September, when they will be sold off individually in support of gorilla conservation projects.
Wendy Walton, Head of Commercial Operations at Bristol Zoo, said: “The sight of 20 brightly coloured gorilla statues is really something to behold.
“Everyone involved in the project has been bowled over by how popular the gorillas have been with the public. Now it’s time to use their popularity to raise some much needed funds for good causes.”
The gorillas have proved a massive hit with the public during the summer. They have attracted a Facebook following of over 11,000 and a mobile phone app dedicated to them has been downloaded more than 5,000 times.
The More London exhibition will run from 16-22 September. The charity auction will take place at 7pm in the Victoria Rooms, Clifton, Bristol on 29 September. In addition to bidding on the night, sealed bids can be made in advance and facilities will be made available for telephone bidding.
Further details and tickets are available via www.bristolzoo.org.uk/wow-gorillas or telephone 0117 9747300.
ENDS
London media contact: Greg Moulds, T: 01403 783 400 E: greg.moulds@pmwcom.co.uk
Bristol Zoo contacts: Vanessa Hollier, T: 0117 974 7309, E: vhollier@bristolzoo.org.uk
Paul Pritchard, T: 0117 974 7389, E: ppritchard@bristolzoo.org.uk
Notes to Editors
Bristol Zoo’s Wow! Gorillas’ project
· This year Bristol Zoo celebrates its 175th anniversary and wants to do more than celebrate.
· The highlight of Bristol Zoo’s 175th anniversary year sees dozens of life-size gorilla sculptures placed on the streets of greater Bristol in a mass public art trail for 10 weeks this summer.
· Bristol Zoo’s gorilla sculptures have been created by Wild in Art, which promotes art through the use of unique animal sculptures as three dimensional artist’s canvas.
· The gorilla sculptures have each been individually painted by local artists and sponsored by local businesses and organisations.
· As well as showcasing the wealth of creative talent the city has to offer, this eye-catching public exhibition will attract tourists to Bristol, while encouraging Bristolians to be tourists in their own city. The trail also aims to engender civic pride, stimulate the local economy and create a fun event for everyone to enjoy.
· On September 29 the Wow! Gorillas sculptures will be sold at a prestigious charitable auction to raise money for Bristol Zoo’s gorilla conservation projects and Wallace and Gromit's Grand Appeal, The Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity.
Bristol Zoo Gardens
· Bristol Zoo Gardens is a conservation and education charity and relies on income from visitors and supporters to continue its important work.
· Over that past 175 years, the Zoo has brought six generations of Bristolians closer to wildlife, helped save over 175 species from extinction, established over 30 field conservation and research programmes all over the world, showed 40 million school aged children the wonder of nature and given more than 90 million visitors a wonderful day out.
· Throughout the year Bristol Zoo will be bringing people, businesses, charities and wildlife together to share amazing experiences that raise awareness and funds to save threatened wildlife and places. To find out more, visit www.bristolzoo.org.uk/whats-on
· The Zoo will be focusing its efforts on raising funds and awareness in support of gorilla conservation and will be supporting the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria Ape Campaign.
· The EAZA Ape campaign aims to make a significant and lasting contribution to the continued survival of apes and their habitats, and is being led by Dr Bryan Carroll, the Director of Bristol Zoo. www.bristolzoo.org.uk/conservation-campaigns.
· Bristol Zoo has supported and been actively in gorilla conservation in Cameroon since 1998.
Wow! Gorillas that will be showcased in London
1. Blackbreadorilla
2. Gorisambard
3. Super G Downhill
4. Blackbeard Silverback
5. I Spy Gorilla
6. Zoo Keeper
7. Seeing You, Seeing Me
8. Guerrilla Tourist
9. Sabyinyo
10. Elvis
11. The Forest Within
12. 24 Carot
13. Distinctly Different
14. Endangered PJ’s
15. Wow! Bristol
16. Jama
17. Pattern Gorilla
18. Spider Monkey
19. Bradisson
20. Gorilla Skelana
