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Islanders and local businesses went wild over the weekend as Jersey woke up to a troop of 40 life-size sculptures of gorillas, painted by local and international artists, and placed on a trail around the island.
From L'Etacq to La Hocq and from La Corbière to Fliquet Bay, the 'Go Wild Gorillas' public art trail is there as a celebration of Jersey Zoo's 60th anniversary and to raise money for a new state-of-the-art gorilla house.
Launched in partnership with Wild in Art, the art trail was revealed on Saturday morning when the 40 gorillas were each positioned in the spot they will inhabit until 14 October.
Many islanders went on the hunt for the uniquely decorated silverbacks which local and international artists – some of them completely new to sculpture trails - spent hours painting.
Bailiwick Express is delighted to be supporting the initiative as media partner.
Islanders shared their enthusiasm for the sculpture trail - which combines art and conservation - on social media, enthusing about the many different designs.
Former Senator Paul Routier said Abi Overland's 'Gorilla in the Mist' and Sian Ellis' 'Our Island' which he met while cycling in St. Peter's Valley made his ride "a bit special."
Just out for a quite cycle this morning up and down St.Peter's Valley and this guy had an eye on my bike. Then on the way home another one popped into view. It certainly made my ride today a bit special. Well done @DurrellWildlife @PwC_CI @Quilter pic.twitter.com/YzONCZPi93
— Paul F Routier MBE (@PRoutier) July 28, 2019
Christian May, the Head of Communications for the Office of the Chief Executive, spent his weekend looking for the gorillas. He snapped eight on Saturday and another four on Sunday, and encouraging others to download the app to tick them off as they go.
Some fantastic artwork on display around the Island as part of @DurrellWildlife @GoWildGorillas #gowildgorillas! Download the app and get competitive like @nigeldrew and me! @VisitJerseyCI #theislandbreak pic.twitter.com/7X9nlXVBj6
— Christian May (@christianrmay) July 28, 2019
Like Channel Islands' Pride, Mr May's favourite was Stuart Semple's 'True Colours' gorilla and his rainbow attire. "He's ready for Pride, are you?!," wrote CI Pride.
The #ChannelIslandsPride team love the @DurrellWildlife #gowildgorillas campaign that has been launched today! Especially the rainbow gorilla 'True Colours' in Coronation Park sponsored by @jsypost! He's ready for Pride, are you?! @LiberateJersey @GoWildGorillas pic.twitter.com/650oQZp5gu
— Channel Islands Pride (@liberatecipride) July 27, 2019
The Jersey Reds raved about their "chunky new signing": 'Dream Signing' designed by Oli Nightingale.
We have a chunky new signing thanks to the #GoWildGorillas initiative from @DurrellWildlife running on the Island this summer... pic.twitter.com/e4aeNslqgW
— Jersey Reds (@jerseyrfc) July 28, 2019
Jonathan Le Fondre, Goalkeeping coach for the Jersey Football Association Women's Football Team caught a total of 13 gorillas, sharing the results of his hunt on Twitter.
Lovely day finding @GoWildGorillas #GoWildGorillas pic.twitter.com/3FQbfuzTe4
— Jonathan Le Fondre (@JLFCoach) July 28, 2019
Jersey Gorilla, aka Will Highfield, met some of the specimens on his St. Ouen parish run, whilst training for Jersey Marathon which he will run in a full gorilla costume.
Sheena Brockie, of 'The Good Jersey Life' blog, also met a gorilla - 'That Elusive Dodo' by Oliver Winconek' - while on a morning run down Havre des Pas.
Lifestyle and fashion blogger, Laura Morel, also went looking for gorillas, cuddling up next to Adam Pekr's 'Symbiosis' for a picture in St. Aubin.
Local businesses also joined in the fun. Les Quennevais Sports Centre shared its delight to be part of the trail by posting a picture of Forrest Guardian, a gorilla designed by Graham Bannister.
The Horse Box raved about their new neighbour, "handsome chap" Rotchi painted by Amy Bourbon as an homage to Jersey granite.
El Tico also shared pictures of 'Vincent' - whose real title is 'The Space Between Us' - a unique cut-out gorilla designed by Andy Countanche, Jersey's very own sandman.
Durrell Ambassador Henry Cavill shared a picture of 'Dynamic Hero' the gorilla painted by comic book artist Kenneth Rocafort which he has signed.
If you want to go out and find all of the gorillas, click on the map below.
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