THEY are more used to helping lost drivers but their skills at following a map are set to be put to good use as a major Hampshire-based navigation firm has backed Marwell’s Zany Zebra event.

For more than 25 years and with more than 11,400 associates worldwide, Garmin has pioneered new GPS navigation and wireless devices designed for people who live an active lifestyle.

The firm has now announced it is sponsoring one of the many Zany Zebra sculptures which will be dotted around Southampton City Centre and Marwell Zoo as part of the art extravaganza trail.

Gail Cook, UK & Ireland Marcoms manager for Garmin said: “As a local employer, we are really excited about being part of the Marwell’s Zany Zebras project. This project encourages families to get active in the outdoors something which we at Garmin are really passionate about.”

For 10 weeks during the summer of 2016, a dazzle of colourful Marwell’s Zany Zebras sculptures will gallop through the streets of Southampton and Marwell Zoo creating fun, family friendly trails for all to enjoy.

Kirstie Mathieson, project manager for Marwell’s Zany Zebras, said: “We are delighted that Garmin have joined the stampede. Marwell’s Zany Zebras encourages families and friends to spend quality time together, to get active and discover forgotten parts of the city. We are delighted to have the support of Garmin in encouraging visitors, and residents alike, to get out and about and enjoy all Southampton has to offer.”

After the trail, all of the large sculptures will be sold at auction to raise funds for Marwell Wildlife’s work to conserve endangered Grevy’s zebras and other wildlife, and to support communities living in the arid rangelands of northern Kenya.

For more information about Marwell’s Zany Zebras, visit the website http://zanyzebras.org.uk