Banksy latest work a striking mural of a gorilla lifting a gate to free animals at London Zoo, has been removed just days after it first appeared. The mural, stenciled in the anonymous artist’s signature black and white style, was part of a broader series of animal-themed artworks that emerged across London throughout August 2024. The zoo, which closed its entrance to protect the artwork and manage the influx of visitors, has since replaced the original with a replica while the original piece is preserved.
Banksy Gorilla Mural at London Zoo A Brief but Impactful Display
The gorilla mural was the ninth and final piece in Banksy’s recent series, which captured the imagination of Londoners and art lovers worldwide. Each day, a new animal-themed artwork appeared in a different part of the city, creating a buzz of anticipation and excitement. The zoo mural, which depicted a gorilla lifting a shutter as if it were a curtain, releasing other animals into the wild, was particularly poignant and quickly became a focal point for visitors.
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However, the mural’s life at the zoo was short-lived. Just five days after it was discovered, the zoo decided to remove the artwork for safekeeping. The decision was made not only to protect the mural but also to allow the zoo to resume normal operations at its entrance, which had been overwhelmed by visitors eager to see the piece.
The Broader Impact of Banksy Animal Series
Banksy’s recent series of animal-themed works across London was intended to bring a moment of joy and surprise to the city, as well as to highlight the human capacity for creativity and playfulness. Despite the positive reception, the series was not without its challenges. Several pieces were stolen, defaced, or removed shortly after they were created.
For instance, a howling wolf mural painted on a satellite dish in Peckham was taken by masked men mere hours after Banksy confirmed its authenticity. Similarly, a mural of a big cat stretching on an old billboard in Cricklewood was removed by the billboard’s owner, who plans to reassemble it in a gallery. Another piece, a rhinoceros painted on a wall in Charlton, was tagged with graffiti, and the accompanying car that was part of the installation was removed.
In central London, city officials took down a mural of piranhas painted on the windows of a police box, citing the need to protect the artwork and ensure public safety. The piece has been temporarily relocated to Guildhall Yard while a permanent home is being decided.
The Ongoing Saga of Banksy’s Street Art
The removal or destruction of Banksy’s works is nothing new. Over the years, more than a dozen of his pieces have been relocated, and many more have been defaced, destroyed, or painted over. This ephemeral nature is a hallmark of Banksy’s work, reflecting the transient and often unpredictable nature of street art.
Despite these challenges, Banksy’s ability to capture the public’s imagination remains undiminished. The recent animal series not only brought unexpected moments of joy to the streets of London but also underscored the ongoing tension between the preservation of art and its original intent as a fleeting, public display.
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As Banksy’s works continue to appear and disappear, they serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between art, commerce, and the public sphere. And while the original gorilla mural may no longer be on display at London Zoo, its impact—and that of the entire series—will be felt for years to come.
