Totnes Transforms into a Wild Safari with 300+ Whimsical Animal Sculptures!

Malcolm Curley, an 87-year-old artist living in Totnes, Devon, has turned his town into a street safari with his creative animal sculptures. What began as a small project to cheer up his neighbors has grown into a community-wide adventure. Malcolm started by making a few animal sculptures for gardens in his neighborhood, but soon, his work spread throughout south Devon and even reached other countries. He estimates that he has made and placed around 300 sculptures, including exotic animals and characters from children's books. These sculptures can be found in all sorts of places, from local libraries and schools to floating in rivers.

Children and families love searching for Malcolm's animals. The sculptures are hidden in fun places, like up in trees, peeking out from bushes, or sitting on window ledges. Some of the most popular animals include a leopard with bright green eyes, a hippo leaning over a hedge, and a panda chewing on a stick. There are even crocodiles placed in the water and a dragon that can only be seen from the train. Malcolm shares his new creations on his Facebook page, so people know where to look for them. Bus tours in Totnes now include stops to point out his sculptures, making the search for animals a fun activity for both locals and tourists.

Malcolm's passion for making things started long ago when he worked in metal fabrication. After retiring and moving to Totnes, he wanted to keep being creative, especially after his heart surgery. He uses recycled materials for his sculptures, often trading his art for items he finds useful. For example, he once swapped a sculpture for a sheet of plastic he found in a neighbor's skip. The project grew as more people asked for animals, like a giraffe as a memorial or tigers for a farm. Malcolm's art has brought the community together, and he asks for no payment except a donation to a charity of the person's choice. His garage is always busy with new projects, and he enjoys finding the perfect spot for each animal. Malcolm's work has made Totnes a unique and joyful place, where everyone can join in the fun of a street safari.