Youngsters invited to find hidden chimp toys on Be Richmond's 'Chimps are Family' sculpture trail

Visitors can follow a specially created chimp footprint trail through Richmond town centre to discover the striking bronze statues.

To mark the launch, 290 chimp toys, representing the approximate 290,000 chimps left in the wild, have been hidden along the route for participants to find and re-home.

As part of the new trail Be Richmond is partnering with WWF to support the conservation of chimpanzees in the wild.

This collaboration aims to raise awareness and generate donations for the ongoing efforts to protect these remarkable creatures and their environments.

To further help the cause, participants have been asked to take a photo of their found chimp and post it on socials using #BeWildinRichmond and Be Richmond will donate £1 to WWF on their behalf.

"Richmond is excited to host the 'Chimps are Family' installation," said Anna Bromley, Marketing Manager for Be Richmond.

"This trail is a wonderful opportunity to bring art, education, and community spirit together.

“We're proud to be working with WWF to raise awareness about chimpanzee conservation and to enhance the cultural vibrancy of Richmond town centre,” she added.

At each of the installations visitors can learn fascinating facts about chimpanzee society and their natural habitats.

Every chimp statue features a different storyline providing insights into the world of these highly intelligent and endangered primates and highlighting the importance of wildlife conservation.

This thought-provoking public art display is expected to attract visitors from across the region, offering a unique and engaging experience for all ages.

The striking bronze chimpanzee statues, each crafted with the renowned artistry of Gillie and Marc will be in Richmond for the next 12 months.

The trail is part of Be Richmond's mission to promote the local business community, foster economic growth, and enhance the town centre shopping experience in Richmond.

By attracting new visitors to the town, the statue trail is expected to benefit local businesses and create a vibrant atmosphere for residents and tourists alike.

To find out more about the trail visit www.berichmond.london/be-wild