From 30 July – 9 October The Great Big Rhino Project will bring a world class mass public art event to the streets, parks and open spaces of the English Riviera and Exeter. After the success of The Great Gorillas Project in 2013 these life-size rhino sculptures will inhabit the streets, showcasing the wealth of artistic talent in the area, while highlighting the significant conservation threat facing wild rhinos and how the local business community can make a difference.
The sculptures will end their tour in Paignton Zoo from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th October before being auctioned for charity on Thursday 3rd November 2016. The funds raised from the auction will be used by Paignton Zoo to support rhino conservation.
The rhino that will be residing in the garden of Coleton Fishacre is Rupert Rhino, named after Rupert D'Oyly Carte. His design is a collaboration between children from Kingswear Primary School and Carly Mays, Community Involvement Officer for the National Trust English Riviera.
He embodies the spirit of place of Coleton Fishacre, Kingswear and the Javan and Sumatran Rhino habitat. There are similarities between the plants found in the areas the rhinos inhabit, and those found in Coleton Fishacre garden; Rupert will feel very at home surrounded by the bamboo and exotic planting of the garden.
For more information check the website www.greatbigrhinos.org.uk

Paignton by Numbers rhino
PAIGNTON BY NUMBERS RHINO - currently residing on Kingswear Railway Station. She was designed by artist RACHEL SHILSTON and sponsored by Dartmouth Steam Railway and Steam Boat Company.

rupert the rhino
RUPERT THE RHINO - Rupert Rhino embodies the spirit of Coleton Fishacre, Kingswear and the Javan and Sumatran habitat. There are similarities between the plants found in the areas the rhinos inhabit and those found in Coleton Fishacre garden. The design is a collaboration between children from Kingswear Primary School and Carly Mays, Community Involvement Officer with the National Trust.