Zoo devastated after zebra sculptures Ticket to Ride stolen and Skittles and Zebraversity vandalised

The sculptures were part of Marwell’s Zany Zebra trail which went on display across Southampton just weeks ago.

The zebra named Ticket to Ride, which had been painted with bright red busses travelling along roads by artist Cara Sandys, was ripped from its plinth in Vincents Walk and stolen between 9.30pm Saturday and 7am Sunday.

Police received reports that a person was seen carrying the zebra towards the River Itchen and Hampshire Constabulary's Marine Unit was called to search a section of the river but did not find the sculpture.

The stripy zebra measures five feet by six feet and was sponsored by bus firm First.

A Marwell statement on social media said: "We are devastated to report that 'Ticket to Ride' our zebra sculpture based at Vincent's Walk has been stolen."

During the same evening another sculpture, named Skittles and sponsored by Foreman Homes, was torn from its spot near the bandstand in Palmerston Park between 9pm and 10pm.

Skittles, which had been painted by Sophie Green with the colours from the flags of Ethiopia and Kenya, home of the Grevy’s zebra, was found on Sunday morning laying on its side in bushes in Houndwell Park.

Meanwhile, the University of Southampton's sculpture, named Zebraversity, was also vandalised and found this morning laying on its side beside its plinth next to the Queen's Peace Fountain in East Park.

The zebra was painted by Smock and Ballpoint and is covered in images of some of Britain's endangered species.

Now police are hunting for the thieves and vandals that have been targeting the sculptures.

It is the second time one of the zoo’s sculptures have been stolen.

Gilbert, the sculpture used to promote Marwell’s Zany Zebra trail was stolen in May – more than a month before the trail was launched.

He was later found and returned to the zoo.

Another five zebras have been attacked by vandals.

A day after the trail opened on July 16 the sculpture Chris Cross in Above Bar Street was ripped off its feet, pushed over and beaten, according to the artist who designed it.

Another was damaged in Western Esplanade as vandals tried to tear off its shark fin.

Then last week Zeeberry was found with a damage hoof and needed to be taken away for repairs.

And within days of going back to its spot next to Paul de Monchaux’s 2000 Sculpture Enclosure in Watts Park, it was damaged again.

The trail aimed to raise awareness for the endangered Grevy’s zebra and raise cash for the zoo’s vital conservation work.

Now police are urging anyone who knows where Ticket to Ride is to come forward and help them with their enquiries.

Chrissie Bainbridge, First Southampton's general manager said: "We are disappointed to learn that Ticket to Ride, the zebra sculpture sponsored by First, has been stolen.  

"The thieves have not just stolen a work of art, but effectively also stolen money that was destined to conserve endangered zebras and other wildlife, and to support communities living in the arid rangelands of northern Kenya.

"We call on the thieves to see the error of their ways and return the sculpture to Marwell Zoo."   

Police are also appealing for any information about the vandalism to the other zebras.

The zoo has also set up its own hotline where people can leave information about any thefts or vandalism to the sculptures.

Anyone with any information about the stolen Ticket to Ride can call Hampshire Police on 101 quoting crime reference number RMS 44160294803 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Anyone with information about damage to Skittles in Palmerston Park can call the same numbers quoting crime reference number RMS 44160294708 or quote 44160295629 with information about the damage to Zebraversity in East Park.

People can also call the zoo’s special hotline on 01962 770503.