A HARTLEY Wintney interior designer currently has the somewhat difficult task of rehoming a zebra.

However, any potential new home needn’t worry about grass being chewed in the garden as it’s a life-sized beast that was designed and created for Marwell Zoo’s Zany Zebra Trail.

Karen Chapman from Renaissance Interiors says she is looking forward to seeing the rehoming of the life-size creation.

The designer chose to celebrate 25-years of being in business by collaborating with local mural artist Jasen Barker, to design and decorate a large-scale sculpture of the endangered Grevy’s zebra.

The zebra, which is decorated with paintings of koi carp swimming among lily pads and lotus flowers featured in a sculpture trail in Southampton over the summer.

Positioned in St Michael’s Square, zebra ‘Carpe Diem’ became a star attraction and was photographed with brides and grooms, wedding guests, parties of school children, families and visitors.

The large zebra sculptures was auctioned on October 18 at The Ageas Bowl to raise money for conservation work in Africa, where interior designer Karen said: “Marwell’s Zany Zebra trail has been a phenomenal success and I am delighted that Carpe Diem is sure to be destined for a good home.

“When we first submitted the design for our zebra, there were no guarantees we would be selected, which is why I decided to also be a main sponsor. Jasen Barker and I have worked together for over 10 years and he did an amazing job in bringing my design to life.

“The Zany Zebra project has been a fantastic way to mark my 25th anniversary and has brought a lot of enjoyment to people visiting Southampton.”

The zebra trail consisted of 150 full size zebras and 47 miniatures. Thousands of people visited the south coast to see the trail, which brought “an exciting vibrancy” to the city and succeeded in highlighting Marwell’s conservation work.

• Further details can be found via the link on Renaissance Interiors website at www.renaissanceinteriorshw.co.uk.