London Zoo removes Banksy artwork for preservation

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London Zoo removes Banksy artwork for preservation

London Zoo removes Banksy artwork for preservation

London Zoo has removed a Banksy artwork depicting a gorilla for conservation reasons. The mural, part of an animal-themed series, has been replaced with a reproduction and a sign reading “Banksy woz ere“

A valuable artwork

London Zoo recently removed a Banksy mural featuring a gorilla holding a rolling shutter, allowing birds and a sea lion to escape. This piece was the ninth and final artwork in an animal-themed series that appeared across the capital over nine consecutive days.

Photos : Zoo of London/LondonCity/KBSPNews/DR

Preservation and security

Kathryn England, the zoo’s Chief Operating Officer, explained that the artwork was removed to preserve it and to allow the zoo to resume normal operations after a surge of visitors came to see the mural. “We are delighted with the joy this artwork has already brought to so many people, but most importantly, we are incredibly grateful to Banksy for putting wildlife in the spotlight,” she said.

Reactions and interpretations

The mural has sparked various reactions and interpretations. Some view it as an anti-zoo message, while others see it as a tribute to London Zoo. Jasper Tordoff, a Banksy expert at MyArtBroker, suggested that the mural might reveal that all the animals seen in the other artworks in the series came from the zoo.The zoo artwork is at least the fifth in the series to be stolen, defaced, or moved for security reasons. Other Banksy animal-themed artworks include depictions of goats, elephants, monkeys, wolves, pelicans, cats, piranhas, and rhinos. Some of these works have been removed by masked men or relocated by authorities for protection.

Photos : Zoo of London/LondonCity/KBSPNews/DR

Banksy’s Impact which frees the animals

Banksy’s series has not only drawn attention to animals but also sparked stimulating conversations about the role of zoos and guerrilla art. London Zoo has not yet announced what it will do with the original artwork, but it is clear that this mural has marked an important moment in its history. The removal of Banksy’s artwork by London Zoo highlights the importance of conservation and protection of artworks while continuing to inspire and provoke discussions on significant topics