NEWS - ANGER AT 'MINDLESS' ATTACK ON BRISTOL ZOO GORILLA SCULPTURES

Anger at ‘mindless’ attack on Bristol Zoo gorilla sculptures

 

By The Editor
Jul 21, 2011

People in Bristol have reacted angrily to an arson attack on one of the 60 gorilla sculptures placed around the city recently to celebrate Bristol Zoo’s 175th birthday.
The gorilla in Clifton, painted by children’s television star Timmy Mallet, was burned by vandals on Tuesday night.
A local resident fought the flames, caused by burning rubbish placed underneath the sculpture, before firefighters arrived. The gorilla has now been taken away by zoo staff to be repaired.
Sophie Denny, from Clifton, told Bristol24-7 yesterday how she saw the damaged sculpture on her way to work yesterday and told of her anger at the attack.
“Really, what is the point of doing something like that?” she asked. “Whoever did it is just mindless. The gorilla is not the greatest piece of artwork in the world, but it was a really fun addition to the area.”
Mr Mallett, who painted a Union Jack on the sculpture, told the BBC of his sadness at the way his creation has been damaged.
“It’s black, charred and looks terrible – that’s not the gorilla I spent a month painting,” he said. “I will repaint him. I don’t know quite how, he’ll have to be cleaned up and repaired.
“This is something I’m proud of, that Bristol Zoo is proud of, and everybody involved in the whole project is thrilled to be part of. Let’s not let a silly little thing like this stand in the way of something to celebrate.”
The gorillas, which are sponsored by businesses and painted by local artists, will eventually be auctioned for charity.