On August 10th, World Lion Day, the Bristol Sport Group is supporting the “Tusk Lion Trail” which will see 45 life-sized sculptures unveiled at iconic locations around the world until the end of September. The works of art will then be auctioned off at a special fundraising event held by the charity Tusk, in London in November.

Each lion sculpture will highlight the magnificence of lions, threats to their existence and the people and solutions working for their survival. Shockingly there are now fewer wild lions left in the world than rhinos; the population of African lions is estimated to have declined by more than 50% in the last 25 years.

Internationally recognised faces including Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, wildlife photographer David Yarrow, rugby legend Richie McCaw, American fashion designer Donna Karan and actors Deborra-Lee Furness and Noel Fielding have all collaborated to craft their own unique piece of art. 

Rolling Stones guitarist and Tusk Ambassador, Ronnie Wood says: “As one of Tusk’s longest standing supporters I couldn’t be more humbled and excited to be part of the Tusk Lion Trail 2021. Raising awareness and educating people about the impact of humans on our beautiful natural world and more specifically about threats posed to Africa’s endangered lion population is very close to my heart.

“Channelling creativity via art is a a big part of my life and painting two lion sculptures for the Tusk Lion Trail is something I have very much enjoyed doing over the last couple of months. I am very much looking forward to seeing the pride on the streets across the world in August.” 

Mark Kelly, Ashton Gate Stadium said: “We can’t wait to find out which artist has painted our lion and look forward to him being installed in pride of place at the stadium.

“He will be guarding our new Kofi Lounge coffee shop which sits at the front of the stadium and as the name infers, is also African inspired. Conservation is something which the Lansdown family has supported for many years now, so it is great that we are able to be part of the Tusk Lion Trail. With fans and crowds returning it will hopefully be a real feature for engagement and help raise awareness of the conservation issues being faced.”

To find out more about go to www.TuskLionTrail.com. The Ashton Gate lion will be on display from August 10th until the end of September.