Jersey Zoo has announced a new public art trail to mark the upcoming arrival of Asiatic black bears in their new enclosure next year, as reported by BBC News. Sculptures depicting bears and bees will be placed across the island’s wild landscapes, coastal areas, and urban spaces to celebrate the new species.
Celebrating Nature’s Connections
According to zoo officials, the installation will launch in July next year with the goal of highlighting the connections that sustain the natural world, ranging from the largest inhabitants to the smallest ones. Artists will have the opportunity to submit designs to transform the sculptures into unique works of art, while local schools and community groups are also encouraged to take part in the project.
Rebecca Brewer, chief executive of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, stated that the organization wants everyone connected to their work, both at the zoo and through global conservation projects, to feel capable of making a difference for nature. She added that public art trails serve as a wonderful method to bring that belief to life.
Previous Fundraising Success
Brewer noted that past trails, including Go Wild Gorillas and Tortoise Takeover, brought significant joy to Jersey while encouraging residents and visitors to explore unfamiliar parts of the island, walk new paths, meet new people, and build lasting memories. A previous auction featuring 54 tortoise sculptures successfully raised £720,000 to fund a new tropical house at the facility.
At the conclusion of the summer, organizers hope to sell the new bear and bee sculptures through a fundraising auction.
