Jersey Zoo Announces New Art Trail to Celebrate Arrival of Asiatic Black Bears

Jersey Zoo has announced plans for a new public art trail designed to mark the arrival of Asiatic black bears at their new enclosure next year. Organisers stated that sculptures depicting bears and bees will be placed across the island across various wild landscapes, coastal locations, and urban spaces.

The installation, scheduled to launch in July of next year, is intended to highlight the vital connections that sustain the natural world, ranging from the largest inhabitants to the smallest species. Artists are currently being invited to submit design proposals to transform the sculptures into unique artworks, while local schools and community groups are also encouraged to take part in the creative initiative.

Following the exhibition, the sculptures are expected to be sold off in a fundraising auction scheduled for the end of the summer season. Rebecca Brewer, chief executive of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, expressed enthusiasm for the project. She noted that public art trails serve as an effective medium to engage people with conservation efforts and inspire them to make a positive impact for nature.

Brewer reflected on previous successful exhibitions, mentioning that the Go Wild Gorillas and Tortoise Takeover trails brought considerable joy to the island. Those past installations encouraged residents and visitors to explore unfamiliar regions, walk alternative paths, and form memorable experiences. Notably, a previous auction featuring 54 tortoise sculptures successfully generated 720000 pounds to fund a new tropical house facility at the institution.

A new art trail featuring bear sculptures will celebrate the arrival of Asiatic black bears at Jersey Zoo.

Why it matters

Jersey Zoo says the art trail will celebrate the world's largest inhabitants to its smallest. This initiative engages the community in wildlife conservation while raising funds for future animal housing and habitat projects through public art and community participation.