The Atlantic Hotel supports Durrell’s Go Wild Gorillas project and adopts Relic
The Atlantic Hotel has pledged its support for Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust’s Go Wild Gorillas project by adopting a gorilla sculpture, Relic by artist Will Bertram. Relic will form part of the Go Wild Gorillas trail from 27th July – 14th October 2019. Relic will actually join the trail in a separate ceremony on 31st July 2019 at Plemont where he will be located.
Go Wild Gorillas is an island-wide sculpture trail that celebrates Durrell’s 60th anniversary. The trail sees 40 life sized Gorillas, all individually designed by artists, form a trail around Jersey. The public are encouraged to download an app and use it to follow the trail around the island and to learn more about the gorillas and their beautiful surroundings.
The sculpture trail marks the launch of a new fundraising effort by Durrell in aid of the redevelopment and extension of the indoor gorilla habitat at Jersey Zoo. Durrell’s recently launched Rewild our World campaign perfectly supports the trail, aimed at the rewilding of animals, of ecosystems and of people. Trail visitors will be interacting with the gorilla sculptures, the island locations and the natural environment surrounding the sculptures. On November 6th the sculptures will be brought together for the Grand Gorilla Auction, with proceeds going to Durrell and Jersey Zoo.
Relic, sponsored by The Atlantic Hotel, is based on the idea of a gorilla being frozen in the hope that he will save his species and inspire the human race to change, saving the planet from environmental disaster. Relic is a playful, conscious and thoughtful sculpture, intended to be a beacon of hope.
Relic’s installation was delayed due to the recent heatwave which meant that the resin block forming the ‘ice’ was not able to set properly. This only serves to further highlight the impact of climate change on the environment.
Visitors to Relic can use the app to unlock a special offer of a free dessert when lunching at The Atlantic Hotel and Ocean Restaurant during the period that the trail is live.
Will Bertram, artist and artist coordinator for Go Wild Gorillas, said “I’m so happy that The Atlantic chose to adopt Relic. They are so passionate about working with Durrell and working with artists that it really is an honour to be sponsored by them. Their connection to the ocean, and focus on relaxation and tranquility is perfectly represented by the ice block that Relic is encased in, and his subtle sleeping face. Their partnership with Durrell and conservational awareness is also represented within the design, beautifully tied together by its location.”
Patrick Burke, owner and managing director of The Atlantic Hotel said “Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust has long been our philanthropic partner at The Atlantic. We are very proud to be supporting Durrell in the year of their 60th anniversary, which happens to coincide with the 60th anniversary of my family’s arrival in Jersey in 1959. We are absolutely thrilled to be adopting Relic, whose story is particularly poignant. Relic is to be found at Plemont and it is difficult to think of a more significant location given that the headland there was saved for posterity following a long campaign by islanders to prevent the area from being destroyed forever by a housing development. We look forward to welcoming visitors to Jersey to explore the trail and to meet Relic.”
For more information on the Go Wild Gorillas trail please visit durrell.org/gowildgorillas.