London Zoo removes Banksy’s latest work for safekeeping

(London) Banksy’s latest work depicting a gorilla and other animals that appeared to have escaped from London Zoo has been secured.

The zoo said it removed the elusive street artist’s mural from its gate Friday night to preserve it and make its entrance fully operational, after crowds of visitors came to see it for five days last week.

It was covered with a reproduction of the work and a sign using British slang that read: “Banksy woz ere” (Banksy was here).

“We are thrilled by the joy this work has already brought to so many people, but most of all we are 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 are committed to preserving as it deserves.”

The stenciled artwork depicted a monkey holding part of the roller fence, allowing birds to fly away and a sea lion to waddle away, while three pairs of eyes peered into the darkness inside.

It was the artist’s last animal-themed work to appear for nine consecutive days in London. And it is the most recent to disappear from public view.

The meaning of the work by the artist known for his political statements has been widely debated online. The zoo said his mural had sparked stimulating conversations from people ranging from a five-year-old to Banksy admirers. Some suggested it was a play on guerrilla art or a commentary on the role of zoos.

A representative for Banksy told the newspaper: Observe that the series was meant to be uplifting and fun during these difficult times.

Banksy, who began his career spray-painting buildings in Bristol, England, has become one of the world’s best-known artists, although he has always hidden his identity. His paintings and installations sell for millions of dollars at auction and have attracted thieves and vandals.

The zoo mural is at least the fifth in the animal series to be stolen, vandalized or moved to a safe location for protection.

A howling wolf painted on a satellite dish to make it appear as if it was silhouetted against a full moon was taken down by masked men, hours after the artist confirmed it was his work by posting photos of it on his Instagram page. An old, dilapidated billboard depicting a large cat lying down was removed by a crew amid boos from onlookers.

The owner of the billboard told police it would be reassembled in an art gallery, the BBC reported.

A rhino painted on a brick wall that appeared to be climbing onto a broken-down car parked on the sidewalk was sprayed with graffiti and the car was towed away.

A small police station whose windows were decorated with a school of swirling piranhas, giving it the appearance of an aquarium, has been removed by the City of London. A spokesman said the artwork would eventually go on public display.

The zoo, which had protected the mural while it was on display behind a clear plastic screen and guarded by security guards, has not announced what it will do with the work.

Its removal, however, means that the work is preserved – like the animals themselves. If it is put back on display, it may be inside the zoo where it can be seen but not touched.