THEY have captured the imagination of thousands across Hampshire already Now in a unique ceremony, Manor Farm Country Park has named its very own Zany Zebra.

The floral covered sculpture, located in Watt Parks, was named Allegra by Nikki Tapely from Botley as part of a competition held through the park's Facebook page.

The ceremony included a pledge from country park staff to care for the zebra, a signed registration certificate as well as poems and a teddy giveaway for visiting children.

The zebra is part of 150 sculptures on Marwell Wildlife's Zany Zebra Trail which is attracting thousands of visitors across Southampton.

Hampshire county councillor Andrew Gibson, executive member for culture, recreation and countryside, said: “Like Allegra the zebra, the fun ceremony was colourful and bright and put a smile on people’s faces. With the start of the school summer holidays, Allegra will help make people aware of Manor Farm Country Park and encourage them to visit.”

Nikki, who named the zebra Allegra because it means joyous, said: “We chose a name that we thought reflected how it feels to visit Manor Farm. I love bringing my eldest daughter to visit the animals and she takes much joy from the experience, which is why I chose Allegra. I also felt the zebra should be female, based on the colours and patterns of her design.”

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The trail can be downloaded as an app on your phone until September 25.

Once the trail has finished, the money raised from the sale of Allegra and the sculptures will go towards funding conservation work to protect the endangered Grévy’s zebra breed in Kenya.

We want to see you enjoying the trail that is gripping the city and send in a picture of yourselves with your favourite sculpture.

The featured photos will be made into a supplement and the public will vote for their favourite.

The winner will receive a family ticket to Marwell Zoo.

To enter your snap, fill out the form here.

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