LONDON — The gorilla and other animals that appeared to have escaped from the London Zoo in Banksy 's most recent work have been taken into safekeeping.
The zoo said it removed the elusive street artist's mural on its gate Friday evening to preserve it and return its entrance to full operation after mobs of visitors came to see it over five days last week.
It was covered with a reproduction of the work and a sign using British slang that said: ''Banksy woz ere.''
''We're thrilled by the joy this artwork has already brought to so many, but primarily, we're incredibly grateful to Banksy, for putting wildlife in the spotlight,'' Kathryn England, the zoo's chief operating officer, said on its website. ''This has become a significant moment in our history that we're keen to properly preserve.''
The work spraypainted with a stencil showed an ape holding up part of the roll-down gate, allowing birds to fly off and a sea lion to waddle away as three sets of eyes peered out from the darkness inside.
It was the final animal-themed work by the artist to pop up over nine consecutive days around London. And it's the most recent one to disappear from public view.
The meaning of works by the artist known for making political statements has been widely debated online. The zoo said its mural had sparked thought-provoking conversations from people ranging from a 5-year-old to Banksy buffs. Some suggested it was a play on guerrilla art or a comment on the role of zoos.
A representative for Banksy told the Observer that the series was intended to be uplifting and amusing during tough times.