A tall order
Giraffe artwork hits the high spots
MORE THAN 40 giraffe sculptures will take to the streets in the capital when Edinburgh Zoo’s Giraffe About Town trail is staged next summer.
In partnership with Wild in Art, who were behind the Oor Wullie Bucket Trail, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) will display a tower of eight-foot-tall giraffe models, helping to raise much-needed funds for wildlife conservation. Each sculpture will be designed and decorated by artists and communities celebrating Edinburgh’s heritage and cultural diversity.
David Field, RZSS chief executive, said: “Following a wonderful welcome for our real-life giraffes in their new home at Edinburgh Zoo, we now want to share these majestic giants with the city of Edinburgh and visitors with a stunning, family-friendly art trail.
“After the immense challenges we have all faced over the last year, Giraffe About Town will help local people and tourists fall in love with Edinburgh all over again by encouraging them to get out about town and explore these beautiful sculptures, while supporting the recovery of our wildlife conservation charity.”
The 40 sculptures will be auctioned to raise funds for RZSS. Field said: “Raising funds to continue our work is incredibly important and we have been touched by the support we have received from animal lovers who are passionate about protecting wildlife.
“Giraffe About Town is one way we can say
thank you and bring a feelgood factor back to Edinburgh with something truly special. It is also a really exciting opportunity for businesses, organisations, artists, schools and whole communities to get involved.”
Charlie Langhorne of Wild in Art said, “We are delighted to be working with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland to create this art trail for Edinburgh. Our events are designed to bring the enjoyment of public art to everyone and we hope that businesses will recognise the cultural benefits of getting involved and sponsoring a giraffe as well as the positives for the local community.”