84 gorillas arrive in Jersey

Wednesday 13 March 2019

84 'gorillas' sailed into Jersey this week... and now they're ready for a makeover.

40 life-size gorilla sculptures, and their 44 ‘young’ counterparts, arrived by boat yesterday, and are now ready to be painted by local artists and community groups as part of the 'Go Wild Gorillas' art trail launched to mark the 60th anniversary of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.

It is hoped the large-scale community project, which will take place 29 July to 14 October, will raise funds for a state-of-the-art new gorilla house at Jersey Zoo.

'Go Wild Gorillas' will also play an important role in Durrell’s new strategy which aims to encourage more people to get outdoors and reconnect with nature. Bailiwick Express is supporting the initiative as its media partner.

Video: The 'Go Wild Gorillas' initiative was launched in September 2018.

Durrell’s troop of gorilla sponsors were invited to Jersey Zoo in February to select from over 80 vibrant, fun and inspiring designs created by local and international artists for the gorillas.

The troop of 84 sailed from the UK earlier this week with Paul Davis Freight.

Nigel Parry, the company's Head of Sales and Business Engagement, commented that his firm were "delighted" to play their part in the "exciting" project, adding: "Thankfully we can confirm that each of the gorillas were well-behaved during their long journey over the Channel.”

Pictured: The 84 gorillas sailed to Jersey this week.

After their boat trip, the group was carefully transported from the harbour to their temporary home at the Jane James studio in St. Helier by ROK Construction Ltd.

The blank gorilla sculptures are now in place and ready to be transformed.

Schools and community groups will be taking charge of decorating the 'young' gorillas, which will be used to create a mini art trial of their own.

Pictured: Young islanders will also get to decorate their own smaller gorilla sculpture.

After the trail has ended, there will be a farewell event from 1 to 4 November at Jersey Zoo, where the public will have the chance to see all the gorillas together in one place before they head off to the auction to find their forever homes.

With only five life-size gorillas left to sponsor, Jersey businesses are encouraged to get in touch with the Durrell team as soon as possible to secure their sculpture.

There is also still the opportunity for community groups to sign up for a ‘young’ gorilla and be part of the project.