The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland has plans to spread tall tails across Edinburgh this weekend as the Giraffe About Town art installation is taking over the city.
In the wee hours of Friday morning, RZSS and partners placed 20 of the 42 eight-foot tall giraffe sculptures throughout Edinburgh. In the morning, the giraffes will greet surprised locals and tourists with their sudden appearance.
“The Giraffe About Town trail and art installation is a celebration of nature, and it’s a timely reminder for people to work together to create and protect the world of nature we all love,” said Ben Supple, director of engagement and business development at RZSS.
In total, there are 42 giant giraffe sculptures spread around Edinburgh. The RZSS and their partners at Wild in Art have worked together to create a giraffe trail to help people rediscover the city, to boost the local economy, to educate people about conservation, and most importantly to put smiles on faces.
“It’s an opportunity for us to give back to the Edinburgh Community,” said Supple.
“Edinburgh Zoo was overwhelmed by the support we received from the community during the pandemic. We reached record levels of members during Covid, and this is a small way for us to give back.”
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Supple said the giraffes have already generated a huge amount of interest from people of all ages and backgrounds. He said the team have been swamped with questions about the project from passersby as the installations have gone up this week.
The giraffes were each designed by an artist or group, and they are intended to celebrate Edinburgh’s extraordinary heritage and cultural diversity.
“Our giraffes will be in locations across the capital, highlighting iconic spots and hidden gems from Edinburgh Zoo to Leith,” RZSS said in a release.
The Giraffe about Town trail is free to discover and explore, and Supple hoped it would raise funds and awareness for the RZSS’s conservation efforts.
The team has set up a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for the RZSS, and a £5 donation will enter people to win the giant giraffe called Bamboozled standing proudly at the gates of Edinburgh Zoo.
The temporary mascot features bamboo designs interspersed with pandas, and Supple said there is no better place for Bamboozled until he finds a new home.
Likewise, some of the giraffe designs have obvious links to their locations.
Each sculpture has been sponsored by businesses, community groups and educational organisations, and they were decorated by artists and communities to celebrate Edinburgh’s heritage and diversity.
Supple thanked all of the sponsors and partners, especially Wild in Art, for their contributions. Without their help, Supple said the project would not be possible.
The colourful herd will be on display from 1 July to 29 August, giving the city two months to explore the trail.
To learn more about Giraffe About Town, visit www.giraffeabouttown.org.uk
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