The iconic animated character Shaun the Sheep is heading to the zoo this Christmas for a rather ‘ewe-nique’ festive trail. The much-loved family favourite is headlining a new family art trail at Bristol Zoo Project, near J17 of the M5.
‘Shaun the Sheep: Find the Flock’ has just got underway and features 12 giant Shaun sculptures located across the zoo for visitors to find until Sunday 12 January.
Produced in collaboration with Aardman and global art producer Wild in Art, each super-sized sculpture stands 1.6m tall and has been individually designed by artists from across the region and beyond.
Two of the sculptures have been exclusively designed for Bristol Zoo Project. The first was inspired by the zoo’s endangered male red panda, Neora. With very few left in the wild, threatened by habitat loss and poaching, Bristol Zoological Society, the charity which runs the zoo, is working to help protect the species through conservation breeding programmes.
A second bespoke sculpture has taken inspiration from the new Central African Forest habitat which is currently under construction and will become home to the zoo’s existing troop of western lowland gorillas.
The Christmas sculptures include Seasons Bleatings by Jessica Perrin, Snowfall Symphony by Amrit Singh, Santa Shaun by Megan Smith-Evans, Little Donkey by Donna Newman and Ginger by Simon Randall.
Rosie Sims, public engagement manager at Bristol Zoo Project, said: “We are all really excited about the launch of Find the Flock, this November. Shaun is such a famous character here in Bristol and we are thrilled to be hosting this trail until January, giving families and visitors the chance to enjoy some festive fun while they try to find all of the Shauns on the trail.
“Shaun’s flock has been all over the place, having fun exploring the zoo! Visitors can follow the map to explore and discover all twelve. We are confident Shaun will feel right at home alongside our giraffes, zebras, lemurs, red panda and cheetahs – there’s so much to see.”
Charlie Langhorne, managing director and co-founder of Wild in Art, said: “I’m delighted that this collaboration with our friends at Aardman will, through the iconic Shaun the Sheep sculpture, enable visitors to Bristol Zoo Project to discover inspiring art.
“The trail includes two extra special sculptures which highlight endangered species – the red panda and the western lowland gorilla, and I hope everyone will enjoy discovering them.”
Molly Van Den Brink, attractions and live experiences manager at Aardman, said: “Find the Flock is sure to be a festive treat for all visiting families to Bristol Zoo Project this Christmas, and we are thrilled to have collaborated to create two bespoke designs linked to the animals Shaun will be living alongside – it’s wonderful to bring the trail to Aardman’s home in Bristol.”
Shaun the Sheep: Find the Flock runs until Sunday 12 January at Bristol Zoo Project and is included with general admission. To find out more about Bristol Zoo Project and Bristol Zoological Society’s conservation programmes across the globe, visit here.