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A Banksy mural that appeared at the London Zoo has been removed to protect the work which put ‘wildlife in the spotlight’
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 20 Aug 2024
It has been suggested that the gorilla in the final piece ‘released’ all of the other animals portrayed in preceding Banksy works in the previous days
A Banksy mural that appeared at the London Zoo has been taken into safekeeping to avoid any potential theft or vandalism.
The work, which was the anonymous artist’s ninth to appear over nine consecutive days, showed a gorilla lifting the metal shutters at the zoo’s entrance so that the animals could escape.
Drawing thousands of visitors over five days, the zoo said it removed the mural in order to preserve it and return its entrance to full operation.
“We’re thrilled by the joy this artwork has already brought to so many, but primarily, we’re incredibly grateful to Banksy, for putting wildlife in the spotlight,” said Kathryn England, the zoo’s chief operating officer.
“This has become a significant moment in our history that we’re keen to properly preserve.”
The work was the final animal-themed work in a series that had seen works defaced with graffiti and stolen in broad daylight.
In place of the original artwork, the zoo added a reproduction of the mural alongside a sign that reads “Banksy woz ere”. Before removing the work, the piece had been on display behind a see-through plastic shield and guarded by security officers.
The meaning of the work is unknown, but the zoo said it had sparked a series of thought provoking conversations. Many have suggested that the work was a comment on the role of zoos in modern society. According to The Observer, the works were intended to be “uplifting and amusing during tough times”.
Plans for future display of the piece are yet to be confirmed. It is thought the artwork will go on display in a more secure location, somewhere inside the zoo.
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