U.K. Self-Storage Operator Big Yellow Houses 112 Giraffes for Zoo Celebration, Art Exhibit

The United Kingdom's Big Yellow Self Storage Co. is storing a shipment of 112 giraffe sculptures that will be part of the Colchester Zoo's 50th birthday celebrations. The self-storage operator is one of 30 businesses sponsoring "Stand Tall for Giraffes," an exhibit in which a herd of 30 2.5-meter sculptures and 82 smaller statues  will be on display throughout Colchester for 12 weeks. The project is being run in partnership with art-event specialist Wild in Art.

Each large sculpture has been individually painted by artists. The smaller sculptures have been painted by schools in the Colchester area. All of the art pieces are being stored at the Big Yellow facility in Bruff Close, Colchester, until the launch of the campaign on June 2. After being on show, all of the giraffes will be auctioned off to raise money for the zoos charity, Action for the Wild. The funds raised will help to assist conservation projects all over the world including the charitys UmPhafa Reserve in South Africa.

Big Yellows giraffe is called "Love Hearts." The design is the brainchild of Norfolk, England, artist Samuel Thomas. Love hearts cover the giraffe in a psychedelic and colorful style, which is very appropriate given the zoos 60s origins," said Andy Polson, manager at Big Yellow. "The giraffe is going to be really eye-catching when its on display in the town this summer.

Wed like to give a big thanks to Big Yellow for storing our precious giraffes for us until they are ready to face the world in June," said Colchester Zoo Director Anthony Tropeano. "Stand Tall wouldnt have got this far without the help of all our sponsors. Were very grateful to each and every one of them for supporting us.

Colchester Zoo is an award-winning wildlife attraction that stretches over 60 acres in the heart of the Essex countryside. It has nearly 300 species in modern, naturalistic enclosures, many are which are part of international breeding programs.

Wild in Art is a U.K.-based arts and education company, which brings the creativity and enjoyment of public art to thousands of people through its high-profile events. Working with host partners, artists, communities and schools together with public- and private-sector organizations, Wild in Art produces mass-participation events that animate cities and towns around the U.K. and beyond.

Big Yellow Group PLC operates 66 self-storage locations in the United Kingdom under the Big Yellow Self Storage brand name, with most concentrated in Greater London. The portfolio comprises 4.2 million square feet.