Bristol Zoo Project launches Public Art Exhibition for silverback Jock

Bristol Zoo Project is inviting members of the public to help celebrate the life of its beloved silverback gorilla, Jock, through a unique four-day public art exhibition taking place from 19 to 22 June at the zoo.

Supporters, members, visitors and friends are being asked to submit their photographs, drawings, paintings, and artwork inspired by Jock, who was cared for by Bristol Zoological Society for more than 22 years.

As the leader and figurehead of Bristol Zoo Project’s gorilla troop, Jock became one of the most recognisable and cherished animals at the zoo, captivating generations of visitors with his huge personality and gentle presence.

The exhibition will honour the remarkable legacy of the western lowland gorilla, who played an important role in international conservation efforts for his Critically Endangered species, fathering several infants during his time with the Society. In this way Jock helped secure the future of western lowland gorillas, while engaging visitors with Bristol Zoological Society’s work in Equatorial Guinea, where the charity works to protect gorillas in the wild.

Earlier this year, after successfully settling his family into their new habitat at Bristol Zoo Project, Jock’s health deteriorated and the difficult decision was taken to peacefully euthanise him. A postmortem later revealed he had been suffering from a long-term health condition caused by an aortic dissection, a tear in his main artery.

Now, the zoo hopes the public exhibition will provide an opportunity to celebrate the enormous impact Jock had on so many people.

“We know Jock touched the lives of countless visitors, staff, volunteers, and supporters over the years,” said Sarah Gedman, Curator of Mammals. “We would love to see artwork from everyone he inspired - whether that’s a child’s drawing from a memorable day out, a painting from a local artist, or photographs from visitors who have admired him for years.”

Artwork should be submitted by 4 June via the zoo’s website at https://bristolzoo.org.uk/events/jock-memorial-exhibition.

Bristol Zoo Project hopes the exhibition will feature a wide variety of contributions from people of all ages and abilities. The collection is already underway with a contribution from portrait artist Keziah Burt who has submitted a bust of Jock.

The exhibition has been made possible thanks to generous donations from Bristol Zoological Society’s supporters.

For more information, visit: https://bristolzoo.org.uk/.