RHINO-MANIA has hit Southampton!

Over the last 48 hours magnificent rhinos have been creating a stir as they have been popping up in streets, parks and stores across the city.

And now we have the map to ensure you can charge around the Go! Rhinos trail without missing any one of the life-sized sculptures which have all been individually designed.

From the Cenotaph and Watts Park in the north of the city centre, down to Tudor House, Mayflower Park and Town Quay in the south and everything in between, each historic landmark has a shiny new neighbour ready to be adored and admired by the masses.

Thousands of people are expected to flock to the city once the ten-week trail goes live, offering a unique day out to hunt out these incredible masterpieces, all of which have their own story.

They include Balfour Beatty’s rhino named Seymour, which can be found in Palmerston Park, modelling the latest in protective clothing to ensure it stands out from the crowd, and Reginald, SeaCity Museum’s Spitfireinspired rhino to celebrate the most iconic fighter of the Second World War.

Daily Echo: One of Go! Rhinos in Southampton

These are just two of the 36 life-sized rhinos dotted along the trail, which have all been sponsored by businesses across Hampshire and they are joined by 61 mini rhinos which have been decorated by schools throughout the region.

It is hoped Marwell Wildlife’s public art extravaganza will significantly boost the local economy as it has done in other cities across the UK which has hosted similar events, like the Pride in Bournemouth event that saw lions roam the seafront.

James Cretney, chief executive of Marwell Widlife, said: “Planning for Go! Rhinos began over a year ago so we are all incredibly excited.

“Go! Rhinos has brought together the whole community and not only highlights the plight of rhinos in the wild but boosts the city’s economy and provides a great day out.”

When the trail ends, the sculptures will be auctioned off, with the proceeds being split between Marwell’s rhino conservation work, the Rose Road Association and Wessex Heartbeat’s HIGH 5 Appeal.

Go! Rhinos Photo Competition

BUSINESSES have joined the charge, as have schools but now it’s your turn to take your place in the stampede.

The Daily Echo is launching a photo competition to ensure everyone gets a glimpse of how the city is making the most of the rhino trail.

All you have to do is send in your photos of yourself, your children or even your dog next to your favourite rhino.

Be as imaginative as you can without touching the sculptures.

The winning photo, judged by a panel, will win a Junior Experience worth £150, which gives one lucky youngster an unforgettable opportunity to be a zookeeper for the day, where they will get to feed the animals and muck out their enclosures, plus a family ticket for a trip to Marwell.

The best of the rest will appear in a special souvenir supplement of photos at the end of the trail.

Just email your photos to  picdesk@dailyecho.co.uk, with your name, address, contact telephone
number and the names, ages of those in the photo, plus where they are from.

For terms and conditions visit dailyecho.co.uk/competitions

Daily Echo: The rhino at the roundabout beside Western Esplanade and Town Quay