The art installation, called Go Wild Gorillas, which is due to launch next summer, will mean Jersey joins a worldwide sculpture trail. The project will also be used to celebrate the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust’s 60th anniversary.
The large-scale art initiative is a collaboration between the Zoo and an organisation called Wild in Art, which has raised more than £10 million for charitable causes since 2008.
Similar events have also happened in cities around the world including Sydney, Melbourne, Cape Town and Sao Paulo.
The first painted gorilla, called Bokra, created by artist Ben Robertson, was revealed recently.
Commenting on his involvement in the project, Mr Robertson said: ‘It’s such an amazing opportunity for artists to get involved with this project and it will have a really positive impact on Jersey’s cultural scene.
‘Most importantly though it will highlight the plight of gorillas and spread awareness of Durrell’s important work saving wildlife.’
Both local and international artists – amateur and professional – will be invited to submit designs for a chance to create their own sculpture.
Guests at the launch event were introduced to the Go Wild Gorillas project by Dr Lesley Dickie, Durrell’s chief executive, and Charlie Langhorne, the co-founder and director of Wild in Art.
Explaining the Go Wild Gorillas initiative, Dr Dickie said: ‘Next summer, brightly coloured, artist-imagined, life-size gorilla sculptures will be placed across the Island which will lead people on a trail of discovery not only to see the gorillas themselves, but the nature in which they are placed.’
Mr Langhorne added: ‘By connecting people through creativity and nature, Go Wild Gorillas will bring businesses, artists, young people and communities together to help make it an art trail to remember.’
