From Monday 2nd July 2012, Clonakilty is to be transformed into a jungle with the only exhibition of its kind in the world ‘Jungle City’. A collection of 30 life-sized, brightly painted animal sculptures will be permanently installed in every nook and cranny of the West Cork town. Visitors to Clonakilty are in for a wild and colourful jungle experience.
A ‘safari trail’ through the town, allows visitors to track the exotic wildlife and follow pug marks (footprints!). The exhibition features route maps and talking animals via a downloadable app. Miniature versions of the animals will be available for families to decorate in the Jungle City pop up shop in the centre of Clonakilty. Jungle City is a major attraction that is certain to bring visitors in their droves to Clonakilty. It is also a charitable event. The life-sized animal sculptures have each been painted by international and West Cork artists and the aim is to raise funds and awareness for their endangered counterparts. Piloted at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival last year, Clonakilty has been chosen to represent Ireland as part of this global concept.
Jungle City is the brain child of conservation charity ‘Elephant Family’. The charity has been working with the people of Clonakilty since 2008 to save vital wildlife habitats in Asia. Local charity partner, Sustainable Clonakilty has joined forces to create awareness for sustainable living and what can be done in our own neighbourhoods to save energy and help the planet thus protecting wildlife habitats around the world. The entire community of Clonakilty is involved with the project; each animal has been adopted by a local business. Local community groups, schools and artists have been involved to decorate and install the new residents.
