Seattle — Woodland Park Zoo unveiled a new bronze sculpture today, “Baboons,” created by renowned Northwest artist Georgia Gerber. The inviting sculpture is of an adult baboon and a pair of young baboons sitting on the low retaining wall outside the zoo’s South Gate. Gerber’s vision offers an irresistible magnet for children and families to gather around before entering the zoo æ and one last thing for children to run to before leaving zoo grounds.

The sculpture is a gift to Woodland Park Zoo from the Trafton family who lives on Whidbey Island in Washington state.

“I believe this sculpture, which offers an interactive connection to the zoo experience outside zoo grounds, will become a very popular gathering spot and family photo opportunity,” says Gerber. “I considered a number of animals for the site and, after deciding that a primate would work best because of their relationship to humans, I chose baboons because they have such wonderful, sculptural faces.”

“People of all ages will enjoy this captivating sculpture,” says Woodland Park Zoo President and CEO, Dr. Deborah Jensen. “It sparks children's natural curiosity about nature. The zoo can't begin to thank Georgia Gerber and the Trafton family enough for their generosity.”

Ten years ago, Gerber created a gorilla family sculpture for the zoo. It is temporarily off view for modifications and will be re-installed in the near future. Gerber’s generosity also extends to the zoo’s premiere fundraiser, the Jungle Party auction æ this year, she donated an original bronze sculpture of the zoo’s baby elephant, Hansa, which raised $23,000 for the zoo.

Woodland Park Zoo’s collection of artwork includes sculptures, carved wood benches, mosaics and murals that serve as educational enhancements to the exhibits. Some of the pieces were commissioned by the City of Seattle as part of its “One Percent for the Arts” program, while others were either given directly by the artists or commissioned by generous donors.

For more information about the zoo’s artwork, check out the Art at the Zoo pages of Woodland Park Zoo’s Web site. Zoo fall hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. For general zoo information, log on the zoo’s Web site or call 206-684-4800.