TWO new sponsors have thrown their support behind the dazzle of colourful zebras set to invade Hampshire next summer.

The Southampton Hoteliers Association and Destination Southampton are the latest to sign up to be part of Marwell Wildlife’s Zany Zebras public art extravaganza which promises to boost business in the region.

Southampton Hoteliers Associa-tion is a collaboration of the major hotels and the boutique properties in the region who work together to ensure that the accommodation businesses in the city work together.

Destination Southampton is the city’s official conference bureau, working with the venues and hotels in and around the city to proactively encourage conferences, meetings and business events to the city and region.

Zany Zebras will see life-sized zebra sculptures pop up in city streets and parks over the summer of 2016, following on from the fantastic success of the zoo’s Go! Rhinos trail two years ago, which attracted thousands of people to Southampton and provided a huge boost to the economy.

Mark Sampson, chairman of the association, said: “Southampton Hoteliers Association is delighted to work with Marwell once again in being a part of this fabulous art exhibition hosted in our city for the enjoyment of the city’s tourists, visitors, businesses and residents.”

Shirley Pinn, managing director at Destination Southampton, said: “This fantastic art exhibition will add an exciting dimension for conference and business visitors to the city of Southampton in the summer of 2016, and we know the vibrant and colourful zebras will liven up our streets.”

The animal 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 zebra sculptures will later be auctioned off to raise money for conservation work in northern Kenya.

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