MARWELL are celebrating after another two businesses have jumped onboard with their public art extravaganza.

P&O Cruises and Cunard have become the latest supporters of the zoo's Zany Zebras which will see the animals stampede into Southampton next week.

Scores of brightly decorated life-sized sculptures will take to the streets of the city for ten weeks, creating a fun trail that will attract thousands to the city and boost the local economy.

David Noyes, Carnival UK CEO, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring one of Marwell’s Zany Zebras. "Thousands of P&O Cruises and Cunard guests travel to Southampton every year to begin their holidays on board one of our ships so it’s only natural that we’d want to be involved in a project that also contributes to the tourist economy and creates buzz and excitement in the city.”

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

The proceeds from the auction of the sculptures at the end of the ten-week trail will go towards Marwell Wildlife’s work with Grevy’s zebra and other wildlife conservation.

Kirstie Mathieson, project manager for Marwell’s Zany Zebras said: “We are thrilled to have the support of P&O Cruises and Cunard helping us to create this attraction for next summer. Marwell’s Zany Zebras provides a great way of showcasing Southampton and all the city has to offer to visitors. It’s a fun and easy way for passengers and crew to explore the city, and a fabulous excuse for those starting their cruise in Southampton to begin their holiday a day earlier!”

For more information about how to sponsor one of Marwell’s Zany Zebras, visit the website http://zanyzebras.org.uk/sponsors/.