A STAMPEDE has begun to sponsor Marwell Zoo’s Zany Zebras with two Southampton organisations leading the charge.

Following the success of the Go! Rhinos sculpture trail in 2013 civic chiefs at Southampton City Council and bosses at Marlands Shopping Centre have each sponsored one of Marwell Wildlife’s sculptural zebras.

Once again backed by the Daily Echo, the trail will see businesses sponsor a Zany Zebra with its own bespoke design created by Hampshire artists.

Schools, too, can get involved by decorating their own zebra as part of the trail, which will be in the city for 10 weeks.

In a new addition to the 2016 event there will be a trail around Marwell Zoo itself using miniature ceramic versions of the larger zebras.

The animal was chosen as Marwell has strong links to the grevy zebra, for which it coordinates the international breeding programme for the breed in captivity.

The zebras will later be auctioned off to raise money for conservation work in Northern Kenya.

Kirstie Mathieson, project manager of Marwell’s Zany Zebras, said she hoped they would attract more than the 250,000 people Go! Rhinos brought to Southampton.

She said: “The more sponsors we have on board the more sculptures there will be and the greater the impact the trail will have on the local economy.

“We are thrilled that Southampton City Council has recognised the impact that this project will have on the city.”

Southampton City Councillor Satvir Kaur, cabinet member for communities, said: “We were delighted with the public’s response to the Go! Rhinos trail in 2013.

"Residents and visitors to the city loved these colourful and creative additions to our public spaces, with tens of thousands of people having their photo taken next to one of these fabulous pieces of art.

"We’re really excited to be working with Marwell on next year’s trail as it will once again provide an opportunity to showcase Southampton and take people to places which they wouldn’t ordinarily visit.”

In 2013 Marlands shopping centre provided Marwell Wildlife with a studio for artists to decorate the rhinos.

Daily Echo:

Marlands general manager Tim Keeping, right, and deputy Julie Warren, centre, with zebra Gilbert and Kirstie Mathieson 

Tim Keeping, general manager of the centre, said they were eager to join in again.

He said: “Following our successful involvement with the Go! Rhinos project we couldn’t wait to get on board with Marwell Wildlife and their Zany Zebras.

“The public interest in this amazing project surpassed even our expectations and the passion and drive of everyone involved from the artists to the wonderful Marwell team engaged the public’s interest from the very beginning of the project to the end and beyond.”

  •  Log on to zanyzebras.org.uk/sponsors to find out how to sponsor one of Marwell’s Zany Zebras.