Clon wildlife enthusiasts welcomed to paint the jungle

A jungle trail of life-sized animal sculptures, including elephants, tigers and crocodiles, is en route to a West Cork town.

Clonakilty has given the official thumbs-up to a €130,000 plan to make it Ireland’s only Jungle City – and two dozen sculptures of “talking” jungle animals are due to arrive within weeks.

Organisers are also calling on local artists, schools and voluntary groups to volunteer to paint the sculptures which also include orangutans and hornbill birds. “Lots of people who are in business or who have kids are very much in favour of the plan — there’s a general buzz of excitement around about it,” said Mary Powys a spokeswoman for the Jungle City project.

Due to arrive in mid-May, the sculptures will first have to be brightly painted, before being placed at locations around the town, where they will remain on display for a minimum of five years.

“When they arrive, we will have a list of schools, artists and community groups who will have submitted their designs and been chosen to paint the sculptures,” she said.

Organisers are now seeking applicants for the job.

Successful applicants will receive a special artists’ pack detailing what is required to paint the animals.

The project is being supported by the West Cork Development Project but seven local businesses have already come on board to “adopt” or sponsor a wild animal. More businesses are urged to get involved by sponsoring an animal: “There are just 24 sculptures and they are going on a first come first serve basis,” said Ms Powys.

The project already has the support of Clonakilty Town Council and the Chamber of Commerce.

The animals will “talk” via a downloadable app, and there are also plans for a “pop-up shop” or Jungle City Headquarters where visitors could paint their own mini-animals. The sculptures could have a major impact on visitor numbers, Ms Powys added.

The initiative will be carried out in conjunction with Sustainable Clonakilty The sculptures will be located along a Safari Trail around Clonakilty town.

* To apply to paint the sculptures, contact Mary Powys on 087 2579869 or email [e-mail]