57 Rhinos Arrive At Marwell Wildlife!

More than 57 sculptures have arrived at Marwell Wildlife near Winchester.

The arrival of the rhino sculptures marks the beginning of Go! Rhinos education programme, which has 57 schools and community groups from across Hampshire, Surrey, Wiltshire, Berkshire and Dorset taking part.

Each school that has sponsored a rhino will now take the sculpture away to decorate for an indoor trail around Southampton.

Children will receive a visit from Marwell Wildlife's Go! Rhinos Education Officer as well as an education pack with activities designed to develop learning and critical debate. All ages are taking part in the project from nurseries to universities.

Kirstie Mathieson, Go! Rhinos project manager said:

"It's really exciting to see all the smaller rhino sculptures arrive at Marwell - These sculptures will now be distributed to the participating schools and community groups to decorate before they join the trail in the summer.

"We can't wait to see what they come up with!"

The education programme forms just one part of the mass art extravaganza Go! Rhinos. Larger rhinos are being sponsored by businesses from across the South and once decorated they will appear in the parks and streets of Southampton.

These will be auctioned off at the end of the trail with proceeds going towards Marwell's conservation work in the UK and Africa, Wessex Heartbeat's HIGH 5 appeal and The Rose Road Association's work with children.

Francesca Smith, Go! Rhinos Education Officer said:

"The children are really enjoying learning about different species of rhino and they can't wait to start decorating their sculptures. Not only is the project lots of fun for them but it highlights the need to protect these animals for future generations."

Marwell Wildlife has joined forces with Business Solent, Southampton City Council, The Rose Road Association, Wessex Heartbeat and Wild in Art to bring together residents, visitors, schools, artists and businesses for this unique experience.

Kirstie added:

"By businesses, organisations and schools working together, we can create a fabulous fun, family friendly event for the region this summer."

Marwell Wildlife is still accepting business sponsors for the larger rhino sculptures. If you want to be involved, call Kirstie on 01962 777 931.

You can find out more information at www.gorhinos.co.uk