The Tusk Gorilla Trail, which featured gorilla sculptures by both Ronnie and Sally Wood, has raised over £130,000 for African conservation!
Following the successes of the Tusk Rhino Trail in 2018 and global Lion Trail in 2021 – which raised a combined total of £1.85 million – Tusk was happy to raise awareness of another vital African species, gorillas. The population of African gorillas remains critically endangered across both Western and Eastern species. Whilst there is an increase in the number of mountain gorillas, their long-term future is not guaranteed and other subspecies of gorillas are not faring so well. They face many threats from disease, poaching for bushmeat and habitat loss and degradation.
The Tusk Gorilla Trail was unveiled on 15 July and placed throughout the historic Piazza and streets of London’s Covent Garden and Seven Dials for three months, before being auctioned last night. Each unique sculpture highlights the magnificence of gorillas, the threats to their existence and creative designs from jewelled covered backs to Peter Pan inspired artwork.
Internationally recognised artists include The Rolling Stones guitarist and Tusk ambassador Ronnie Wood and his wife the producer Sally Wood; English actor and comedian John Cleese and wife Jen Cleese; British artist Chila Burman; British photographer Rankin; printmaker Adam Dant; Tusk ambassador and artist Jemma Powell; restaurant Petersham Nurseries in partnership with British artist Hayden Keys; former army helicopter pilot, wildlife artist and Tusk ambassador Hannah Shergold as well as artists Barnaby Barford, Mr Jago, Gordon Cheung, Mauro Perucchetti, Pure Evil and Nick Gentry.
The event was attended by Gorilla Trail artists, celebrity ambassadors and bidding supporters, all joining forces in support of Tusk’s work. We were delighted to raise over £130,000, which will go towards our mission of accelerating the impact of African-driven conservation.