Wooden animals displayed for first time since 1969

The mahogany wooden hippo has been set up inside Poole Museum

Three giant wooden animals have been displayed to the public in a town in Dorset for the first time since 1969.

The mahogany wooden hippo is currently set up inside Poole Museum after being lifted through a third-floor window, while a turtle and whale have been set up at Lighthouse, Poole.

They were originally designed for children to climb and explore at the Dolphin Centre, formerly the Arndale Centre, in 1969, after being created by artist Peter Hand, a lecturer at Bournemouth College of Art for 20 years.

The sculptures were taken down in 1997 but were donated to Poole Museum in 2023 and preserved during the museum's recent redevelopment.

The wooden turtle and whale have been set up at Lighthouse in Poole

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole councillor Andy Martin said the animals were "part of Poole's collective memory".

"We're excited to see them back in the public eye, sparking joy and nostalgia for those who remember them, and inspiring curiosity in a new generation of fans," he said.

John Grinnell, Dolphin Centre Manager, agreed the sculptures have "played a special role in the lives of local families".

He said: "We're proud to donate these iconic wooden animals to Poole Museum.

"Their return celebrates Poole's cultural heritage and the importance of preserving public art that connects generations."