World's largest elephant art trail hits Bristol

Get set for a jumbo experience this summer as Bristol see's the arrival of part of the world's largest elephant-themed art collection at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm. The brainchild of Elephant Parade, the international social enterprise that runs the now world famous celebrity-endorsed art exhibition; 10 specially decorated elephant statues will be unveiled at the 100 acre North Somerset animal park on Monday 18th July.

Each statue has been created by artists and celebrities to raise awareness of the need for global elephant conservation. 20% of Elephant Parade net profits are donated to elephant welfare and conservation projects for African and Asian elephants. Including designs by the singer Joss Stone and reality TV star Chloe Kardashian, Noah's Ark will open the exhibition on Monday for visitors to explore the park and search out the location of the models which are dotted around the expansive estate. Whilst providing a popular activity for day visitors to the zoo, the installation carries a strong conservation message to highlight the plight of wild elephants, and explain the important work of Elephant Parade. Started by two men with a passion for helping nature's biggest land mammal, father and son Marc and Mike Spits were moved by the emotional story of a 7 month old Asian elephant called Mosha they met in Thailand who had survived standing on a land mine, but lost her right leg. The fundraising work of the Spits, including the first Elephant Parade exhibition in Rotterdam in 2007, has allowed the charity to support a range of elephant conservation projects around the world including the Asian Elephant Hospital, the home of Mosha in Lampang, Thailand. Mosha was made a special prosthetic leg which has made daily life much easier for her.

Noah's Ark Zoo Farm is proud to partner with Elephant Parade to raise the profile of the great work being done and provide the public with a unique chance to view the stunningly decorated elephant models which were shipped over from Europe specially for this 7 weeks event. The pinnacle of the event will be World Elephant Day on the 12th August, a day of special festivities at Noah's Ark with arts and crafts, a special Elephant Keeper Talk featuring the park's real African elephants Janu and M'Changa and an extra special big unveiling... Stay tuned for more information! Why not visit the zoo between Monday 18th July and 3rd September and enjoy the colourful event as part of a great value day out with the big zoo animals? You can download a Trail Map from the zoos website and show it on entry to the park to get £2 off admission! If you haven't been to Bristol's award-winning family day out before, check out the park online and plan your visit now - holders of the Trip Advisor'Certificate of Excellence' for a 3rd year in a row. Check out this video explaining the event and how to get involved.