On August 13, the famous street artist Banksy revealed what is believed to be the ninth and final mural in a series of animal-themed artworks across London. The new mural, located at London Zoo, depicts a gorilla forcefully opening a shutter to free a sea lion and several birds. This mural completes a series that began on August 12, including previous pieces like a mountain goat, monkeys hanging from a railway bridge, a wolf’s outline on a satellite dish, and pelicans perched above a fish and chip shop. London Zoo’s media manager, Rebecca Blanchard, reported that the mural has been well-received by visitors, who have come to admire and photograph the artwork. The zoo plans to preserve the mural as an essential part of its collection.

Banksy’s team confirmed that this mural is intended to be the final installment in the series, although no further comments have been made. The murals have sparked extensive discussion on social media, with some interpreting them as a reflection of current national issues, including riots and racial tensions. Others see them as a critique of humanity’s broader environmental impact. Banksy’s Instagram account has been the primary source for sharing these artworks, contributing to the ongoing public intrigue and debate.