HE WAS the face of an art spectacular that was set to hit the streets of Southampton this summer.

Gilbert, the sculpture used to promote the Zany Zebra trail has been stolen.

Police are continuing their hunt for the thieves who struck over night stealing the fibre glass sculpture which was being used to promote the event organised by Marwell Wildlife.

Gilbert, along with 149 other sculptures, was due to form a spectacular free trail across the city and has been used to visit the companies, organisations and schools that have signed up to take part.

The sculpture was due to visit London Waterloo Station to promote both the event and the Southampton region but at around 4am yesterday the Marwell team discovered that he had been taken from a truck that had been temporarily parked in the Bassett area of Southampton.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, thieves had apparently cut through strapping that was being used to secure the five foot by six foot sculpture.

Security tags are planned to be added to all the sculptures next week as a deterrent against future thefts – unfortunately, Gilbert was taken before his could be installed.

Marwell Wildlife is now appealing to fans, followers and friends of Marwell for any information about his whereabouts and are desperate for his safe return.

Kirstie Mathieson, Project Manager of Marwell’s Zany Zebras said: “Gilbert’s theft is heartbreaking.

"He’s not only much loved by the Marwell team and local community, but also a beautiful work of art and flagship for Marwell’s Zany Zebras – an event which is certain to put Southampton on the map as a hot spot for tourists this summer.

“Marwell’s Zany Zebras is about bringing the community together and having a fantastic summer of fun whilst raising funds for our conservation programmes in Kenya, so it’s particularly upsetting that Gilbert has been targeted. Please help us find him.”

Once the trail has finished Gilbert was due to be auctioned off to raise money for the valuable conservation work with Grevy Zebras around the world in partnership with Marwell.

Hampshire police have confirmed that they have been informed of the theft and are investigating. A spokeswoman said: “We were called at 4.20am this morning to reports of a theft from vehicle. It happened sometime between 10pm on Tuesday and 4.15am yesterday.”

If anyone has any information email zanyzebras@marwell.org.uk or telephone 01962 770503 or call Hampshire police on 101.

A social media campaign has also been launched with the hashtag #BringGilberthome