IT WAS a much-anticipated launch, and in just the first few days of Marwell’s Zany Zebra trail going live, thousands of residents and visitors have wasted no time in seeking them out.
The life-sized decorated sculptures have been dotted around Southampton City centre making up a family-friendly free trail to follow.
In the first few days the smartphone app which gives zebra-spotters an interactive dimension to their quest has been downloaded by more than 2,000 people.
Meanwhile trail guides have been flying off the shelves with 12,000 given out over the course of the weekend.
All this before schools break up across the county today which is sure to see a surge in demand to track down the herd.
Alongside the 47 life-sized sculptures another 103 smaller sculptures, which have been decorated primarily by schools and youth organisations, have also been placed in shops and businesses in the city centre.
Kirstie Mathieson, Project Manager for Marwell’s Zany Zebras said:“We are so pleased with the number of people who’ve already done the trail, since the city and zoo were invaded by our herd of zebras just a few days ago! The sculptures are really brightening up the city centre and putting smiles on faces.
“Now that the school summer holidays are just around the corner, we’re expecting thousands more visitors to head out in search of zebras. Our Marwell’s Zany Zebra Zone in the Marlands Shopping Centre is the perfect starting point for the trail; you can pick up your free trail maps, get advice from Marwell Wildlife staff and shop ‘till you drop with our zany zebra merchandise, which is helping us raise vital funds for Marwell Wildlife’s conservation efforts.”
Alongside the Southampton trails there is also a miniature trail taking part around Marwell Zoo. The attraction is also home to a herd of Grevy’s zebra which the trail is based on.
Money raised from the sale of the sculptures once the trail has finished on September 25, will go towards funding conservation work to protect the endangered breed in Kenya.
Free trail maps are available from the Zany Zebra Zone in the Marlands shopping centre where workshops and crafts for younger visitors are being hosted throughout the course of the trial.
The app is also available on smart phones by searching Zany Zebras in App store or Google Play.
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