An Essex homebuilder has made a £500 donation towards the creation of a unique rhino sculpture at Colchester Zoo, marking the 250th anniversary of the Colchester Medical Society.
The life-size wooden rhino sculpture, which also functions as a bench, was part-funded by Barratt and David Wilson Homes and unveiled at the Colchester Zoo’s African Plateau as part of the Colchester Medical Society’s milestone celebrations. Colchester Medical Society, the oldest provincial medical society in the UK, commissioned the striking sculpture to symbolise the resilience and strength healthcare professionals embody.
Weighing three-quarters of a tonne, the rhino bench was carved from a 150-year-old Redwood tree which took over 40 hours by skilled Welsh craftsmen and has now found a permanent home at Colchester Zoo, overlooking the Kingdom of the Wild habitat. Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ contribution helped bring the sculpture project to fruition, joining other community and sustainability-focused efforts of both organisations.
The total cost of the carving reached £2,000, with additional support coming from Colchester Medical Society, and the tree trunk used was on the site which is now David Wilson Homes’ Constable Gardens development in East Bergholt. Melissa Dench, Business Development Manager at Colchester Zoo, said: “We were delighted that the Colchester Medical Society thought of us to be the ideal location for their rhinoceros carving.
“The carving is a great synergy of what we both stand for. We are always looking to build vital partnerships within our local community and thrilled that we could offer a suitable space to help celebrate their 250th anniversary.
“We hope that visitors will enjoy watching our crash of rhinos whilst resting upon the magnificent carving which represents the importance of conservation perfectly.” Tom Wright, Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Eastern Counties, said: “We’re delighted to support this incredible initiative that celebrates both the rich history of the Colchester Medical Society and the importance of conservation and sustainability.
“The rhino sculpture is not only a fitting tribute to healthcare professionals, but also a symbol of strength that resonates with the values we hold at Barratt and David Wilson Homes. We hope visitors to Colchester Zoo enjoy this wonderful piece of art for many years to come.”
The rhino sculpture is located in a peaceful spot within the zoo, where visitors can rest, admire the view, and learn about the partnership between Colchester Medical Society and Colchester Zoo. Barratt and David Wilson Homes is building a range of properties in Essex at High Elms Park in Hullbridge, Languard View in Dovercourt and Great Dunmow Grange in Dunmow. David Wilson Homes is also building at Constable Gardens in East Bergholt.
