A giraffe statue commissioned as a legacy to mark Colchester Zoo’s 50th birthday has taken up residence in the town centre.

Last year saw an eye-catching herd of giraffe art invade central Colchester as part of the Stand Tall birthday celebrations, before being auctioned off for the zoo’s charity Action for the Wild.

Now a new statue, named Zoe, has pride of place in the Lion Walk Shopping Centre.

It was designed by Lauren Connell from St Luke’s Primary School, Tiptree and painted by Jenny Leonard, a local artist who also created two of the giraffes on display last year.

John Fleming, Lion Walk centre manager, said: “We were lucky enough to host one of the hugely popular giraffes in 2013 and didn’t hesitate when the zoo asked if we could find a permanent home for the legacy statue. Our new arrival looks superb and we’re looking forward to showing her off to shoppers.”

Alex Downing, development director at the zoo, added: “People told us how much they missed the Stand Tall statues so we’re pleased to be celebrating our 51st birthday by revealing the legacy statue.”