by Ann C Evans

Created on: August 11, 2010   Last Updated: August 12, 2010

If you just happen to visit Chester this summer (2010) then you won't be alone. This beautiful and historic city is also being visited by a stampede of colorful rhinos – in the shape of 6ft. x 5ft. fiber glass sculptures which have been created by a talented array of North West artists. These 62 rhinos have been strategically dispersed throughout Chester and its surrounding connections in order to highlight the plight of the black rhino and other such endangered species.

Furthermore, the local communities and the schools have also joined in the scheme producing a smaller version of the originals – a total of 116 in all. These rhino siblings are being displayed in various shop windows across the region. Don't be surprised to find ‘Rhino Bam Bam’ sitting amongst the ice-buns and doughnuts in a Chester cake shop!

Pick up a rhino trail map (free) at the Chester Information Office and join in the hunt. . There is also on sale, a wonderfully illustrated book depicting all the named rhinos and artists. The rhino's whereabouts along with the messages they are trying to convey are also included.

Rhino mania has certainly set the city alight; for adults of all ages and children alike can be seen frantically clicking their cameras in a hurried frenzy in order to move on, in the hunt for their next rhino. A ‘do not climb’ sign resigns the over enthusiastic kid to just patting the animal’s rump or to clinging for dear life around its notorious horn. Grown up’s, seemingly reticent curiosity, soon dissipates when they are made aware of ‘the good cause’ factor.

If I had to choose a favorite rhino I would find the task a difficult one. Amongst this motley herd are the comical ones, as well as those with the powerful messages and others which are just pure artistic fantasy; there are flowery ones, stripy ones and spotty ones.

The delicious and almost edible ‘Banana Rhino Split’ is a great favorite with the children. It's depicted in the shades of Neapolitan ice cream and is sprinkled with ‘hundreds and thousands’. Another amusing one is ‘Elvis’ complete with the iconic black quiff, welcoming all travelers passing through Chester Railway Station. Racing enthusiasts may go for Rhino the Racer aptly placed at the Roodee racecourse which is supposedly the oldest racecourse still in use in England. Ironically ‘Echo’ and ‘Splodge’ are situated at the entrance to Chester Zoo; these two colorful characters can be seen paying homage as it were to the nine real life rhinoceros living within the confines of the zoo.

Love them or hate them, these rhinos have certainly made their presence felt. However they are only visiting Chester until September2010 when eventually on September 12th they are going to be auctioned off. Seventy five percent of the proceeds will go to the Black Rhino Conservation Project in Kenya and Tanzania and the remaining twenty five per cent will be donated to the local Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

Personally I wouldn’t mind any one of these colorful beasts living in my back garden. I can easily picture ‘Brutus’ roaming in the rockery or ‘’Rhino Mosaica’ standing on the patio or even ‘Fleur’ grazing amongst the flower beds. Sadly, I'm sure that their auction prices will be well outside my financial comfort zone – ah well, one can only but dream.

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