BUSINESSES across the region are joining the stampede to support a mass family-friendly art event across Southampton.

Organisers Marwell Wildlife has announced that Selco Builders Warehouse have sponsored a Zany Zebras sculpture which will be one of many on a trail around the streets of the city next summer.

Selco are a builders’ merchant with warehouses full of trade products exclusively for trade and business. They aim to give tradespeople everything they need, and all under one roof.

Trevor Gibson-Ford, branch manager for Selco Southampton said: “Our new branch on the Millbrook Industrial Estate on Second Avenue opened on November 30 and There is no better way to engage with the community than with the exciting Marwell’s Zany Zebras campaign.”

Southampton and Marwell Zoo will become the home to a herd of colourful zebra sculptures that will pop up across the city and wildlife park as part of a public art event that promises to create an unforgettable trail for families to enjoy.

Kirstie Mathieson, project manager for Marwell’s Zany Zebras said: “We are thrilled that Selco Builders Warehouse have joined the stampede. What better way to celebrate their arrival into Southampton than sponsoring one our gorgeous zebra sculptures! We are delighted that Selco have recognised the opportunity to raise their profile in the region whilst helping to ignite the community spirit. Roll on summer 2016!”

Selco have become one of the latest businesses to sponsor a zebra sculpture with so far 36 organisations signing up to the project.

Kirstie Mathieson, added: “Organisations of all shapes , sizes and sectors are supporting the project – from venues to shopping centres, law firms to developers, family run enterprises to international super-brands.

“It’s fantastic that so many businesses have recognised the opportunity to create something very special for next summer, attracting hundreds of thousands into the area, having a positive impact on the tourist economy all whilst raising the profile and ultimately funds for the beautiful endangered species, the Grevy’s zebra.

“Thanks to Crest Nicholson, Old Mutual Wealth and P&O Cruises & Cunard, who are amongst the latest Business South Champions to embrace this opportunity.”

Marwell’s Zany Zebras follows on from the charity’s hugely successful Go! Rhinos project in 2013 that attracted over 250,000 into the city, encouraged families to spend quality time together and get active, added vibrancy to the public realm, enthused thousands of children about conservation and raised £125,000 at the charity fundraising auction. The success of Go! Rhinos inspired Marwell Wildlife to do it all again – this time with - the Grevy’s zebra.

Grevy’s zebras are a key species for Marwell Wildlife. They have been working with partners in northern Kenya for over two decades to conserve nature and support people who depend on the environment. In addition to this they manage the International Studbook and the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) for the species. The Grevy’s zebras at Marwell Zoo were given a new home this summer in their new immersive exhibit, Wild Explorers, which opened this summer.

One hundred of the region’s schools and youth groups are involved in the project’s Education Programme decorating smaller sculptures that will feature on the trail whilst enjoying an Outreach session with Marwell’s Education Ranger and an Education Toolkit.

The Marwell’s Zany Zebras trails will run from July 16 until September 25 both in Southampton’s city centre and Marwell Zoo. Throughout the trails, Marwell will be running a series of workshops and events and it’s not too late for your company to get involved, For further information please visit www.zanyzebras.org.uk or contact the team on 01962 777931.