ALMOST all of Marwell’s Zany Zebras are back on display after a spate of vandalism took some off the trail.

The sculptures known as Sam, Skittles and Zebraversity have undergone weeks of repair work after they were vandalised in Southampton city centre.

Now they have gone back on show – but families taking a city safari will need to keep their eyes peeled if they want to find them as they have been moved to new locations.

All three of the newly repaired zebras have been moved to the upper floor of the Marlands Centre.

It comes after Chris Cross and Zeeberry were moved from their original positions to the Marwell’s Zany Zebra Hub inside the shopping centre earlier this month.

Now he has been joined indoors by Foreman Home’s zebra Skittles painted by artist Sophie Green which has moved from its former location near the bandstand in Palmerston Park.

The University of Southampton’s sculpture Zebraversity, decorated by Smock and Ballpoint, has also moved into the shopping centre after it was pushed from its plinth at the Queen’s Peace Fountain in East Park by thugs.

Sam, which was sponsored by Southampton Solent University after being designed by former student Sam Hiscock and was also positioned in East Park has also joined its fellow herd members indoors.

Kirstie Mathieson, project manager for Marwell’s Zany Zebras, said: “It is really great to have ‘Zebraversity’, ‘Skittles’ and ‘Sam’ back on the trail and they seem to be settling well into their new home.

"We know how much they have been missed by our trailgoers and we are really excited to share the news of their return.

“As with NatWest’s sculpture, ‘Chris Cross’, and Pickwell Farm’s zebra ‘Zeeberry’, we have decided to relocate these three zebras in the Marlands Shopping Centre to keep them as safe as possible.

“We are extremely grateful to Alison Bates, who has completed the repair work in the absence of the original artists and to The Marlands for their continued support.”

Artist Cara Sandy’s zebra Ticket to Ride which was found in the River Itchen by young sailors from Southampton Water Activities Centre after it was stolen from its plinth in Vincent Walk on August 6 is still undergoing major repairs.

Hampshire Police is still investigating the theft and spate of vandalism.

Anyone with any information can contact officers on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or call Marwell on 01962 770 503.