ZEBRAS will be spotted across Southampton next summer after it was revealed the stripy animal will be the animal of choice for this year’s trail.

Speculation had been rife as to which animal would be chosen for this year’s event after Marwell Zoo revealed it would be recreating the success of the Go Rhino! Trial that was held two years ago.

At an launch event held this evening at Southampton’s Art Gallery the Grevy Zebra was unveiled as the animal that would be taking centre stage this year for Zany Zebras.

In making the announcement project manager Kirstie Mathieson said: “the cat is now out of the box. Let me introduce Gilbert, the Grevy Zebra."

Along with the trails around the city centre there will also be a walking trail around Marwell Zoo with miniature ceramic versions of the sponsored Zebras.

They are hoping to repeat the success of two years ago when Go Rhino fever gripped the city.

The Go! Rhinos public art extravaganza, which was backed by the Daily Echo and saw 96 sculptures take up position around the city in 2013.

Visitor numbers were double the amount expected by Marwell Wildlife, which launched the ten-week trail in July 2013.

There was also a boost to business, with WestQuay reporting a 25 per cent increase in sales during the first week of the trail, with footfall up week on week.

A huge amount of money was also raised through the auction of the 36 life-sized rhino sculptures, with nearly £125,000 split between Marwell’s conservation project, Wessex Heartbeat’s HIGH 5 appeal and the Rose Road Association.

Businesses are now being invited to sponsor one of the sculptures which will be decorated according to their own design.

For more information on how to get involved please visit zanyzebras.org.uk.