Banksy's Guerilla Gorilla Questions the Ethics of Zoos

Renowned British street artist Banksy made a comeback in mid-2024 with a series of animal “guerilla” pieces. These graffiti public art pieces were not sanctioned or planned in one way or another; some argue that they are akin to vandalism. One of the latest pieces in the series was made at the front gates of London Zoo, which shows a Gorilla freeing other zoo animals.

A graffiti guerrilla mural of a gorilla freeing other animals at the London Zoo entrance by Banksy. Photographed by Leon Neal/Getty Images. Image courtesy of artnet News.

After staying on the spot for almost two weeks, zoo authorities decided to take it down. They also replaced it with a copy and a sign stating that the piece was taken down for its preservation and to make room for the zoo to resume its usual activities—as people were crowding the spot to have firsthand experience of the piece. Once again, Banksy used his work to discuss a relevant issue related to the animals he had seemingly freed from the London Zoo. This is why the guerrilla murals are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Life on Land.

People viewing a goat guerrilla mural by Banksy in Richmond borough, London. Photographed by Carl Court/Getty Images. Image courtesy of artnet News.

Since the city is littered with multiple guerrilla animals, including a school of piranhas, a wolf and a rhinoceros, the piece at London Zoo can be read as the start of the series’ narrative. Here, Banksy tells a story of how a gorilla has let loose animals from London Zoo, which causes them to wreak havoc across the city. Sources close to the artist revealed that his recent guerrilla animal murals are made to “cheer people with a moment of unexpected amusement, as well as to gently underline the human capacity for creative play, rather than for destruction and negativity.”

Someone trying to remove a wolf guerrilla mural by Banksy in Peckham, South London. Photographed by Jordan Pettitt/PA. Image courtesy of artnet News.

However, by showing these wild animals escaping from a zoo, one cannot help but wonder if there are critiques towards zoos imbued within the work. People have long debated the ethics behind zoos. They consider its origins during colonial times, which emerged as vanity projects where Europeans would display and collect animals from the colonies for their amusement. During these times, zoo animals were not adequately cared for; they were often left in small iron-barred cages and more often than not, they were acquired through illicit means that caused disruptions to their natural habitats. As people began to understand the importance of wildlife education, preservation and conservation, zoos expanded their roles to better suit these necessities.

Visitors reading a sign put up near a graffiti guerrilla mural of a gorilla freeing other animals at the London Zoo by Banksy. Photographed by Henry Nicholas/AFP. Image courtesy of artnet News.

Still, there has been evidence stating otherwise. A study conducted by The Born Free Foundation and the University of Bristol found that the United Kingdom’s 192 zoos were not all fully compliant with the government-imposed Zoo Licensing Act. This manifested in conditions such as the frequent escape of zoo animals, further highlighting the urgent need for reform to put animal welfare and safety front and centre.

Banksy’s guerilla gorilla mural at London Zoo challenges viewers to consider the ethics of zoos and their colonial origins. By depicting a gorilla freeing animals, Banksy sparks a conversation about captivity, animal welfare and the role of zoos in today’s society. This series reminds audiences of the importance of wildlife preservation and humane treatment while inviting playful yet critical engagement with urban spaces.

Find out more about Banksy’s guerrilla gorilla and their other pieces by checking their Instagram on @banksy.