SPONSORS are needed to pay to bring a sculpture from Monaco to Colchester so it can be used to mark the 50th anniversary of Colchester Zoo.

The 7.5m giraffe had been used as the centrepiece of the principality’s Grand Casino Garden for its Animal Parade.

But now the parade has finished and French artist Patrick Mimran has offered to donate the piece to be part of the Stand Tall for Giraffes project.

It would join 30 other 2.5m tall giraffe sculptures, if the £7,500 travel cost can be met.

Anthony Tropeano, Colchester Zoo directors, said: “We need sponsorship for this to become a reality.

“At 7.5 metres tall, it will not be easy to get the giraffe to England.

“The transportation and set-up costs come to £7,500, so we hope businesses in the local area will support us to ensure we can welcome this stunning sculpture to our zoo.”

To donate, call Colchester Zoo on 01206 331292 or colchester-zoo.com.