Banksy: What does it mean?

It’s said a picture paints a thousand words, and Banksy’s recent illustration on London Zoo’s main entrance has certainly prompted a lot of discussion.

Kathryn England, Chief Operating Officer

None of us know exactly what the artwork is supposed to mean – but isn’t that often the point of art, to create discussion, discourse and debate? A role that we as a global conservation charity often take on too.

Creating Cheer

We’ve heard lots of different ideas about what the piece on London Zoo’s gates could mean – from a play on guerrilla art to the role of zoos – all of which have sparked interesting and thought-provoking conversations, with people ranging from five-year-old zoo visitors to Banksy-enthusiasts who travelled from far and wide to visit the Zoo.

Banksy’s team were reported in the Observer as explaining that the series’ intention was to bring relief during a tough time, describing the murals around London as “uplifting works [that] cheer people with a moment of unexpected amusement” - a sentiment we resonated with.

We know the power animals have to inspire and engage people, being among nature boosts people’s mental health, physical health and well-being. Our animals at London Zoo are part of our conservation mission, and bringing people closer to wildlife is a crucial step in generating support and galvanising action. 
 

Thanks to Banksy

We’re thrilled by the joy this artwork has already bought to so many, but primarily, we’re incredibly grateful to Banksy, for putting wildlife in the spotlight.

We’re reaching a crunch point – on a global scale – for wildlife, with climate change, habitat loss, disease and conflict with humans putting many species on the brink of extinction.  Wild habitats are sadly not a safe option for many of these. As part of global conservation charity, ZSL, London Zoo has a vital role to play in protecting endangered species, training future conservationists through our scientific institute, veterinary hospital and education programmes, and contributing our conservation expertise so that we can restore habitats and genuinely create change.

Understanding and celebrating different viewpoints, cultural values and recognising different ways of doing things is key.

Banksy’s London Zoo artwork is making us all look at things differently, nothing could be more valuable than that.

We made sure as many people as possible got to see the new addition to London Zoo, but it was removed from public display on Friday 16 August.

The artwork was removed  from the main entrance in order to best care for it while plans are made for its future. This has been a significant moment in our history that we’re committed to properly preserve.

A temporary photograph of the artwork was placed at the main gate, which has now been removed.