In Pictures: Great gorilla public art trail
- Published
A "trail" of 30 life-size gorillas has been created in Devon to highlight the plight of the Cross River gorilla - the most critically endangered ape in Africa.
The public art project in Torbay and Exeter was also chosen to mark Paignton Zoo's 90th birthday.
The sculptures, which have all been sponsored locally, will be on display throughout the summer and will be auctioned in November.
A map showing the location of all 30 gorillas - 19 around Torbay and 11 in Exeter - and local bus routes has been produced as part of the Great Gorillas Project.
Sponsors of the 30 sculptures include the National Trust, Exeter College and local businesses.
"Five Minutes to Midnight" by artist Jane Ververis Callan depicts clock and watch faces set at 23:55 to illustrate time could be running out to save the species.
Babbacombe Model Village has replicated all 30 gorillas in miniature and "hidden" them for visitors to find. It also sponsored the life-sized Back of Beyond.
Paignton Zoo said the public art trail was a way of saying "thank you" to everyone who has supported it over the past 90 years.
"Skins" was designed by former zoo volunteer, 20-year-old artist Jess Miller. It was sponsored by Exeter firm the ATASS Group because "her passion for the animals comes to life in her illustrations".
Paignton Zoo's Phil Knowling said he suspects the "Darth Vader" gorilla will be a popular auction lot in November.
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Paignton Zoo's Western lowland gorillas Kiondo and Pertinax. Anyone completing the art trail could win a draw to meet them "up close".