Buzzing! Bears and Bees coming to Jersey

We've had Go Wild Gorillas and the Tortoise Takeover, and in 2027, it'll be Bears and Bees!

Durrell has announced a new island-wide sculpture trail for Jersey, bringing colour and creativity to the island.

The new trail will launch in July 2027 to raise vital funds for Jersey Zoo and Durrell's conservation work around the island.

It comes as Jersey Zoo prepares to welcome bears back to the island.

Asiatic black bears will arrive in a new, state-of-the-art enclosure next year.

The bees celebrate the dedication of Durrell's conservationists, who persistently work to protect threatened species, restore habitats, and help wildlife thrive.

Durrell says the two sculpture designs will tell a story about the importance of creatures great and small, and the people working to secure their future.

Islanders and visitors will be able to explore the island, discover the artwork, and connect with the wildlife stories behind each sculpture.

Rebecca Brewer, Chief Executive Officer of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, said:

"Inspiring people to engage with wildlife has always been at the heart of Durrell’s mission. We want everyone who connects with our work, whether at Jersey Zoo or through our conservation projects around the world, to feel they can make a difference for nature.

"Our public art trails are a wonderful way to bring that belief to life. Go Wild Gorillas and Tortoise Takeover brought so much joy to Jersey, encouraging people to explore parts of the island they might never have visited, walk new paths, meet new people and create lasting memories.

"I hope you’ll join us. Together, we can create another memorable summer for Jersey while raising vital funds for Durrell’s work at Jersey Zoo and around the world."

Established and emerging artists are invited to submit designs to transform the sculptures into distinctive works of art, with schools and community groups asked to help make the trail a shared creative experience across Jersey.

After the trail concludes, there will be a farewell event to give people a final chance to enjoy the sculptures before the giant bees and bears go under the hammer at a celebratory fundraising auction.

The sale of the tortoises in 2023 raised more than £700,000 towards a new tropical house, while the 2019 Go Wild Gorillas auction raised more than £1.1m for a new gorilla enclosure which opened earlier this year.