Some of the statues starring in this summer’s Dolphin Discovery Trail are already attracting bids worth thousands of pounds ahead of the auction.
The 62 model dolphins will all be up for sale on Wednesday 17 September at the Peninsula Hotel.
Auctioneer John Randall will be taking bids on the night.
Each dolphin of the dolphins going under his hammer was sponsored by a business or organisation, and then decorated by an artist, or group of creatives.
They were on display across Guernsey between May and the end of August and are now destined to find permanent homes.
They each have a reserve price of £500 each, with up to £2,000 already offered for some of them.
The money raised from selling the dolphins at the Peninsula Hotel on Wednesday will be put together with money already raised through the Dolphin Discovery Trail and then shared between the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey.
Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager, said they are very grateful to everyone who has supported the initiative.
“We are delighted to see reserve bids and outbidding for the 62 dolphins in aid of the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey.
“It’s been incredible to see so many people enjoying the Dolphin Discovery Trail and supporting two fantastic causes. The funds raised will make a real difference to the animals in our care and the vital work we do.
“We are appealing for raffle prizes for the auction and hopefully all dolphins will be at the Peninsula early next week and certainly there Wednesday with team members there to help with reserve bids. Tickets selling fast for next Wednesday and we so don’t miss out!”
Andrew Sparkes, Director of Autism Guernsey, added: “The trail has brought joy, colour, and community spirit to Guernsey. We’re thrilled with the response and grateful to all the sponsors, artists, and supporters.
“The funds raised will make a real difference to those we support, and we’re excited to see the dolphins go to new homes at the auction which there are delivery options.”
The Dolphin Discovery Trail has been supported by numerous businesses and individuals, including Artex which collected each of the 62 dolphins from their public display locations so they could be cleaned and have any repairs carried out before Artex delivers them to the Peninsula Hotel before the auction.
Thousands of people saw the dolphins on display, with more than 1,000 people using the TurfApp treasure hunt.
The Auction
The auction will be held at the Peninsula Hotel on Wednesday 17 September.
Tickets to attend cost £20 and are available in advance.
The treasure hunt winner will also be announced on the auction evening.
The dolphins will be on display at the Peninsula Hotel from Monday 15 to Wednesday 17 September.
On Wednesday, members of the auction team will be at the Peninsula Hotel from 10:00 to take reserve bids and to assist with any queries.
All bids start at £500.
Reserve bids can be placed at dolphindiscoverytrail.gg/ or can be emailed to steve@gspca.org.gg.
Anyone wanting to bid from off-island should contact steve@gspca.org.gg to discuss delivery options.
For anyone wanting delivery on island there will be a minimum donation of £30.