London Zoo removes Banksy work for 'safekeeping'

The London Zoo has made the decision to remove a well-known artwork by the street artist Banksy from its location outside the zoo. This particular piece of art depicted a gorilla appearing to lift a shutter, allowing a sea lion and some birds to escape. The zoo explained that the removal was necessary for 'safekeeping' and to ensure that visitors could fully access the entrance during the busy summer months. In place of the original artwork, a replica has been installed. A nearby sign now reads 'Banksy woz ere,' which serves as an apology to disappointed fans of the artist. This artwork was the final piece in a surprise animal art trail that Banksy created throughout London, which included various images of animals such as a goat, elephants, monkeys, a wolf, pelicans, a cat, piranhas, and a rhinoceros. When the artwork first appeared, the zoo expressed their excitement, calling it an 'incredible surprise' and stating that they were thrilled that such a famous graffiti artist chose their venue for his work. To protect the artwork from sunlight, the zoo had placed a clear plastic cover over it and erected a barrier around the mural. However, on Saturday, the zoo announced the removal of the artwork and mentioned that they were considering how to best preserve it, stating, 'but we’re keen to properly preserve this moment in our history. ' It is worth noting that some of the other artworks in this series have faced issues, with two being defaced and one stolen just hours after it was installed. Banksy's art has garnered a lot of attention, and many people are eager to see it. The zoo hopes that by taking care of this artwork, they can share it with the public in the future.