The University is taking part in Marwell Wildlife’s ‘Zany Zebras’ sculpture trail this summer, taking biodiversity research into Southampton city centre.
Visitors can learn more about biodiversity at our sponsored zebra sculpture, Zebraversity – number 37 in Marwell’s sculpture trail and located next to the Queen’s Peace fountain in the city’s East Park. The University’s Public Engagement with Research unit (PERu) and the Education Enhancement Fund have funded the sculpture.
Zebraversity, painted by artist Smock & Ballpoint, is covered in a complex coat of animals – all of which are endangered species in Britain. The design creates a tangible link between the threatened nature of the Grevy’s zebra and the UK’s own native species.
During the coming weeks, a series of events will be held next to the sculpture run by BioBlitz interns Megan Holgate (MEcol Ecology) and Oliver Cockroft (BSc (Hons) Biology) including an animal ‘sports day’, an opportunity to create bug hotels and BioBlitz events to engage the community in spotting local species of wildlife in East Park.
Dr Judith Lock, Senior Teaching Fellow at Biological Sciences said:
“The University staff and students are very excited to be part of Marwell’s Zany Zebras. The Grevy’s zebra is the face of our MRes Wildlife Conservation, which is run jointly with Marwell Wildlife. Our zebra will represent the biodiversity and conservation research that is taking place across the University.”
Marwell’s previous sculpture trail, Go! Rhinos – featuring Erica, the cyber rhino created by the University’s Electronics and Computer Science team – attracted over 1.5 million people during 2013.
Click here for more information about Zebraversity and specific activities organised near the sculpture.
You can also download the map of Zany Zebras from Marwell’s website.