London Zoo Removes Banksy Mural After Heavy Crowds: ‘Banksy Woz Ere’

LONDON — The gorilla, along with other animals that seemed to have escaped from the London Zoo in Banksy’s latest artwork, have now been safeguarded.

The zoo said it removed the elusive street artist’s mural from its gate on Friday evening. This measure aimed at preserving the piece and restoring the entrance’s regular operations, following a surge in visitors over five days last week.

A reproduction of Banksy’s work has replaced the original, accompanied by a sign that said, “Banksy woz ere”.

“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,” Kathryn England, the zoo’s chief operating officer, said on its website. “This has become a significant moment in our history that we’re keen to properly preserve.”

The mural depicted an ape lifting part of a roll-down gate, allowing birds to fly away and a sea lion to waddle off. Three sets of eyes peeked out from the darkness inside.

This artwork is the final piece in Banksy’s animal-themed series, which appeared over nine consecutive days around London. Notably, it’s the latest one to be removed from public display.

Debate has been rife online regarding the meaning of Banksy’s works, known for their political undertones. The zoo mentioned that the mural had sparked thought-provoking discussions from people of various ages, including both 5-year-olds and Banksy aficionados. Some suggested it was a play on guerrilla art or a commentary on the role of zoos.

A Banksy representative told the Observer that the series aimed to be uplifting and amusing during challenging times.

Banksy, who started his career spray-painting buildings in Bristol, England, has grown to be one of the world’s most renowned artists, though he continues to conceal his identity. His paintings and installations sell for millions of dollars at auctions and have also attracted thieves and vandals.

This zoo mural is at least the fifth in Banksy’s animal series to be either stolen, defaced, or moved to a secure place for protection.

A howling wolf painted on a satellite dish to look like it was silhouetted against a full moon was taken by masked men mere hours after Banksy confirmed it was his work by posting photos on his Instagram page. A dilapidated billboard featuring a big cat stretching out was dismantled by a crew as onlookers jeered.

The billboard’s owner told the police it would be reassembled at an art gallery, according to the BBC.

In another instance, a rhinoceros painted on a brick wall that appeared to be climbing onto a broken-down Nissan parked on the sidewalk was tagged with graffiti and the car was eventually removed.

A small police guard post, adorned with a circling school of piranhas painted on its windows to resemble a fish tank, was removed by the City of London. A spokesperson mentioned it would eventually be placed where it could be viewed by the public.

Jasper Tordoff, a Banksy expert at MyArtBroker, told The Associated Press that he appreciated the notion that the final mural in the series might reveal that all the depicted animals — elephants, a goat, monkeys, and pelicans — spotted around London had escaped from the zoo.

However, Tordoff also noted that Banksy, fully aware of the intense attention his works garner, might have expected a public reaction that transcends simple admiration.

“He might also be making a comment on our human nature to desire to own things, even if that means breaking the law,” Tordoff said. “But then also, in quite a nice way, to also try and look after these pieces and preserve them.”

The zoo had guarded the mural while it was on display behind a transparent plastic shield and protected by security. It has yet to announce future plans for the artwork.

For now, its removal ensures the work is being preserved — much like the animals themselves. Should it be re-exhibited, it might be placed inside the zoo where viewers can admire it without causing damage.

Source: AP, Observer, BBC