More than 14,000 people have helped make history, as the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® title for most contributions to a painting-by-numbers has officially been broken by ZSL, in our 200th year.
The spectacular piece, made up of 21 boards featuring 200 animals to celebrate the 200th birthday of ZSL - the conservation charity behind London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo - was completed within a week, with 14,024 artistic animal lovers picking up a paintbrush to get involved in the attempt.
Against a backdrop of a section of the completed, wildly colourful masterpiece, an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® adjudicator handed the official certificate to Glynn Hennessy, a primate keeper who has been working at London Zoo for nearly three decades, to commemorate the achievement.
The certificate was then given the seal of approval by the conservation zoo’s Humboldt penguins, who feature in the artwork.
William Sinden, Official Guinness World Records adjudicator, said: “London and Whipsnade Zoo have created a really special record-breaking moment here, bringing thousands of visitors together to mark ZSL’s 200th anniversary in such a colourful and creative way.
Every one of the 14,024 contributors played a part in creating this extraordinary artwork, and it’s lovely to see a Guinness World Records title achieved through creativity, community and a shared love of wildlife. It’s a brilliant example of how a shared challenge can bring people of all ages together and give everyone the chance to be part of something truly memorable.”
Victoria Sage, Events Manager, said: “We’re delighted to have broken the Guinness World Records title, making our 200th year even more memorable! It was wonderful to see so many people coming together to take part in the painting, and it really exemplifies ZSL’s mission to connect people to wildlife.”
For two centuries, ZSL has been at the forefront of wildlife conservation, working around the world to restore habitats, protect species and inspire the next generation of animal advocates.
Visitors to the conservation zoo will be able to see the completed artwork displayed at London Zoo soon, before moving to its sister-site Whipsnade Zoo later this year.
Every contributor to the successful attempt will also have the opportunity to order an official Guinness World Records Record Participant Certificate - a personalised and permanent record of their place in record-breaking history.