Mural is Auckland Zoo's tribute to Attenborough’s 100th birthday

To honour of Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday tomorrow, Auckland Zoo has unveiled a mural celebrating the globally renowned broadcaster and voice for nature.

Artist Paul X Walsh spent the past week at the zoo bringing the piece to life, letting visitors watch the mural being painted and speak with him about the artwork.

The mural was painted a on a 2.5sq m plywood wall, and took seven days to create.

Walsh gifted the mural to Auckland Zoo, where it will remain on display for visitors to enjoy.

Paul X Walsh paints Sir David’s Attenborough's mural. Photo: supplied

Paul X Walsh said the idea for the project came earlier this year when he learned Attenborough was turning 100.

“I thought the ideal place to paint his portrait would be at the Zoo,” he told TWN.

He described the artwork as a reflection of Attenborough’s impact on people, including himself and his family.

“To me, he’s always been about curiosity and showcasing the natural world that we live in.

‘I was raised by him and have different memories of him from different periods of my life.”

The artwork combines the natural world as well as the creatures and animals David Attenborough is associated with, he said.

“He’s an inspiration for so many people, and a big part of why I do what I do.”

The zoo’s head of conservation advocacy and engagement, Sarah Thomas, said the project reflected both the power of art and a shared appreciation for Sir David.

“He’s got such enthusiasm for it and wanted to celebrate a personal commitment to the art,” she said.

Thomas said the zoo was focused on nurturing a lifelong connection to nature.

“For us, we really want to connect people, connect our communities, and support that relationship with the natural world."f

Art was a unique and powerful way to communicate conservation messages, she said.

“Artwork is such an interesting way to do that. I’s a different way to communicate and creates conversation, joy, and happiness.”

Thomas said the mural was already sparking interest among visitors.

“I was talking to a colleague who said lots of people are going up to the mural, having conversations and remembering things they’ve seen on TV."

She said the project strongly aligned with the zoo’s values.

“It really does reflect what we stand for in terms of connecting people with nature.

"Much of Sir David’s work, and Paul’s enthusiasm, links to those conservation and sustainability messages at the core of what Auckland Zoo is.”

Thomas said the zoo had been part of Tāmaki Makaurau’s social and cultural fabric for more than 200 years.

“I just feel that Paul’s work is a way in for a lot of people to look at the different species and think about why they’re there,” she said.

She also noted how much visitors enjoyed watching the mural come to life.

“Seeing it go from original sketches into something really striking allows it to connect with people on different levels, across different generations.”

The mural is on display at opposite the zoo's band rotunda lawn.

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Our journalists sometimes use AI tools which are checked by humans for accuracy.

AI was used to transcribe audio from the interview for this story.