LONDON – When workers arrived at the London Zoo early Tuesday, little did they know they would stumble upon a surprising and mesmerizing exhibit that hinted at the possibility of animals being set free.
A striking mural by the notorious street artist Banksy portrayed a gorilla holding up the entrance gate, surrounded by birds taking flight and a sea lion slowly making its way to freedom. Three pairs of eyes gazed out from the darkness within.
The appearance of Banksy’s creations at unexpected locations around London, from a mountain goat perched on a building to a rhinoceros atop a car, over the past nine days, culminated in the depiction at the London Zoo. Each artwork shared on Banksy’s Instagram featured a London Zoo hashtag, surprising even Dan Simmonds, the animal operations manager at the zoo.
Banksy’s unexpected act left Simmonds in awe, stating, “Part of the mystery of Banksy is that every creation is a delightful surprise. Witnessing his art right on our admission shutters was truly unexpected and made us feel incredibly fortunate.”
The mural was discovered around 6:30 a.m. as Simmonds arrived to feed the zoo animals. The freshly painted shutter remained closed throughout the day, attracting hordes of Banksy enthusiasts and curious onlookers.
Banksy, known for his thought-provoking street art, has gained worldwide fame for his unique and captivating pieces. His works command millions at auctions but also face threats from thieves and vandals, prompting the zoo workers to protect the mural with a transparent covering.
Despite some of Banksy’s previous works being defaced or removed, the mural at the London Zoo remains untouched for now, becoming a cherished addition to the artist’s collection of public art.
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