Born Free Foundation - Keep Wildlife in the Wild

In 2008, the streets of Norwich were brought alive with over 50 fibreglass elephants, painted and decorated by local artists, schools and businesses. The successful event was initiated by Wild in Art, who united the local community with an eye catching display of urban art, and highlighted the plight of elephants in the wild. A staggering sum of almost £68,000 was raised through the auction of these magnificent elephants, which helped Born Free contribute towards wild elephant conservation. (see Go Elephants!)

Wild in Art have successfully staged similar events in the UK, Europe and Africa, and have now teamed up with Northampton borough council to launch Pride of Northampton.  This time it will not be the mighty elephant that takes to the streets, but the King of the jungle himself, the lion.

For a 10 week period in Summer 2010, Northampton’s streets, parks, open spaces and shopping centres will be joined by a pride of 5ft lions. Pride of Northampton will be the town’s most high profile event, engaging local artists, community groups and schools and attracting regional and national visitors to the town centre.

Six of these fibreglass lions, each currently a blank slate awaiting the inspiration of those who sponsor them, joined Charlie Langhorne from Wild in Art, Virginia McKenna from the Born Free Foundation, Northampton councillor Paul Varnsverry and local artist Lee Burrows at the launch of the event on Tuesday 15^th September. Those attending got a sneak preview of how elaborate and creative their lions could be thanks to Mr Burrows, whose painted lion is the first of the pride to be completed.

Born Free long term supporter and friend, wildlife artist Pollyanna Pickering, has been selected as one of the artists who will paint one of these magnificent sculptures. See http://www.pollyannapickering.co.uk/pride.htm for more.

A significant amount of money raised through the auction of the lions in September 2010 will be donated to the Born Free Foundation and to a local Northampton charity, the Cynthia Spencer Hospice.

Businesses, community groups, education establishments or individuals wishing to sponsor a lion sculpture can find out more at www.prideofnorthampton.com, or can contact Becky Allen on 01604 838555 or email beckyallen@northampton.gov.uk.