A mural of exotic animals from the jungles of Madagascar is raising awareness of deforestation on the island as part of a new mural.
Stephanie Grant, who volunteered on a conservation project to increase lemur habitat on the island with London-based charity SEED Madagascar, commissioned artist and fellow West Green resident James Straffon to paint the animals on the side of her house.
The mural complements other animal-themed street art in the neighbourhood, but Stephanie, who worked on a project to increase habitat for lemurs, hopes it is much more than a visual celebration of her time in Madagascar, said: “I hope the piece acts as a talking point and catalyst for people wanting to learn more about Madagascar, its wildlife and people.
"Madagascar particularly needs our help at the moment. Not only is much of its wildlife under threat, 80 per cent of which is found nowhere else on the planet, but the country is undergoing a devastating famine.
It’s little reported that Madagascar, according to the World Bank, is the poorest country in the world, with almost 80 per cent of the population living on less than £1.40 per day and health and education services lacking in many areas.
"Hopefully the lemurs bring a smile to passers-by, but if just one person goes home and decides to do something to help the people or wildlife of Madagascar that will truly make me smile.”
To learn more about Madagascar and discover ways you can help with the current hunger crisis or conservation efforts, click here.
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