THERE was a stampede to see Southampton’s newest residents at the weekend – a herd of 36 rhinos.

The decorated rhinos sparkled in the sunshine and drew plenty of attention from the crowds with many walking the “rhino trail” looking to capture each one on camera.

Marwell Wildlife’s public art extravaganza, the Go! Rhinos trail, went live on Saturday, with the multi-coloured rhinos positioned in streets and parks across Southampton.

It is hoped that the unique sculptures will bring people to the city and provide a boost to the economy.

Twelve months in the planning, the ten-week trail includes 36 lifesized rhinos, which have all been sponsored by businesses across Hampshire, joined by 61 mini rhinos decorated by schools.

The colourful rhinos certainly created a buzz as people stopped to look and have their picture taken.

Polly Sadler, 39, was with husband Tim, 39, and their children Freddie, seven, and Adam, five, at The Bargate looking at ‘Kyma’.

Polly, from Fishlake Meadows, Romsey, said: “It’s a good thing. We have taken the opportunity to walk some of the city walls in finding them which we have never done before which has been lovely and they [the children] have said ‘can we walk the walls again?’.”

Freddie, whose favourite was Newton, said: “ They’re good – I like the colours on them.”

Roger Coles, 50, a health and safety officer from Locks Heath, was on the rhino trail and had got to Guildhall Square to see ‘Glint’ – a rhino decorated in pieces of mirror .

He said: “I think it’s a good idea. It brings people to Southampton and there’s other activities going on in the city at the time so people not only get to see the different rhinos but they get to understand what goes on in the city.

His son Lewis said: “They’re good and they’re big – I want to buy one.”

Ian Surridge, 40, of Sholing, was son Daniel, four, at Balfour Beatty’s rhino ‘Seymour’, in Palmerston Park.

“Daniel likes it,” Ian said. “I said ‘we’re going to have a look at the rhinos’ and he was not quite sure if I meant real ones.

“It’s a good idea – rather than just advertising which people tend to ignore – it’s a good advertisement for the town.”

Ballal Joglekar, 30, a technology consultant, who lives off London Road, Southampton, was looking at the rhinos in Guildhall Square with wife Rashmi, 29.

He said: “They’re pretty good, it’s a bit of fun.”

When the trail ends, the sculptures will be auctioned off, with the proceeds being split between Marwell’s rhino conservation work, the Rose Road Association and Wessex Heartbeat’s HIGH 5 Appeal.