On the Wild Side, Part 2

If you read Sharon's blog, which normally hosts pictures of Phoenix, you may have seen this sculpture -- which is not in Phoenix but here in London. Sharon visited recently and took pictures of it in Paternoster Square, near St. Paul's Cathedral, and blogged them a few weeks ago. I've been meaning to go down and see it myself and yesterday I finally had the opportunity.

It's called "Go Widlife Go!" by the artists Gillie and Marc. These artists have done a variety of animal-themed sculptures to call attention to the threats facing our planet's biodiversity and specifically its wildlife. (You may remember one I blogged several years ago based on orphaned elephants.)

"Jumping on the scooter and joining the ride is a simple act designed to encourage the public to become part of the journey with endangered animals," according to a nearby explainer. There's a gap between the animals for visitors to pose for pictures (although there are also signs saying "please do not climb," which I guess means don't go higher than that).

This is part of a larger public art and social movement called "Love the Last," to bolster efforts to save animals. Gillie and Marc also have their own web site here, and I see that they have several other sculptures on view in London. Maybe I'll eventually catch up with those.

As long as I was out and about, I decided to get some exercise. I walked 2.5 miles up through Islington to the Caledonian Road and Barnsbury overground station. The weather was beautiful and I had the opportunity to take a few more pictures along the way, which you will no doubt see in the coming week.