A prominent London landmark has been invaded by a multi-coloured gorilla army this month.
On 16 September, twenty life-sized gorilla statues – all individually decorated by British artists – were 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 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.
