The gorilla and other animals depicted in Banksy’s latest artwork, which appeared to have escaped from the London Zoo, have now been secured. According to zoo officials, the artwork was removed from the zoo’s gate on Friday evening to both preserve it and restore normal operations after it attracted throngs of visitors over the course of five days.
A reproduction of the piece now covers the original spot, accompanied by a sign with the British slang phrase: “Banksy woz ere.” Kathryn England, the zoo’s chief operating officer, expressed gratitude on the zoo’s website, stating, “We’re thrilled by the joy this artwork has already brought to so many, but primarily, we’re incredibly grateful to Banksy, for putting wildlife in the spotlight. This has become a significant moment in our history that we’re keen to properly preserve.”
The mural, created with a stencil and spray paint, depicted an ape lifting a portion of the roll-down gate, allowing birds to escape and a sea lion to waddle away, while three sets of eyes peeked out from inside. This piece was the last of a series of animal-themed artworks that Banksy introduced over nine consecutive days throughout London, and it is the most recent to be removed from public view.
The meaning behind Banksy’s works, known for making political statements, has been widely debated online. The zoo mentioned that their mural sparked thought-provoking discussions among a diverse audience, ranging from young children to Banksy enthusiasts. Some interpreted it as a play on “guerrilla art” or commentary on the role of zoos.
A representative for Banksy told the Observer that the series aimed to be uplifting and amusing during these challenging times. Banksy, who began his career spray-painting buildings in Bristol, England, has become one of the world’s most renowned artists, though he continues to shield his identity. His artworks fetch millions of dollars at auction and have attracted both thieves and vandals.
The zoo mural is at least the fifth in the animal series to be either stolen, defaced, or relocated for security reasons. Among the other artworks, a wolf howling at a moon-like satellite dish was taken by masked individuals just hours after Banksy posted it on Instagram. A billboard featuring a stretching big cat was also removed, to the dismay of onlookers.
The owner of the billboard told police it would be reassembled in an art gallery, according to the BBC. In another instance, a rhinoceros painted on a brick wall seemed to be mounting a dilapidated Nissan, which was later tagged with graffiti and the car removed. A small police guard post adorned with a school of piranhas painted on its windows to resemble a fish tank was also taken by the City of London, which plans to eventually place it in a public viewing area.
Jasper Tordoff, a Banksy expert at MyArtBroker, remarked to the Associated Press that the final mural might imply that all the animals seen in previous artworks – elephants, a goat, monkeys, and pelicans – originated from the zoo. He noted that Banksy, aware of the attention his works garner, could be commenting on human nature and our desire to possess things, even through illegal means, yet with a protective intent to preserve the art.
Although the zoo had safeguarded the mural with a transparent plastic shield and security officers while it was on display, it has not disclosed future plans for the artwork. Its removal signifies that the piece is being conserved, akin to the animals themselves. Should it be re-displayed, it might be within the zoo premises where it can be admired but not touched.
