Ofili good dung deal for London Zoo
Date: 25-Feb-02
Country: UK
He has donated a painting that could raise up to 40,000 pounds for the elephants that brought him fame and fortune - his striking works landed Ofili the prestigious Turner Prize.
The proceeds from "Triple Couple", which is being auctioned in New York later this month, will go to the London Zoo elephants that have packed their trunks and left the British capital after 170 years.
The decision to move the elephants last November to London Zoo's sister complex at Whipsnade in Bedfordshire came after a senior keeper was crushed to death by an Asian elephant.
Ofili said in a statement: "Elephant dung is an essential component of my work and it would be impossible to create my paintings without the elephants.
"I am delighted that the sale of my painting will benefit them in their new home and help in the conservation of this beautiful and endangered species."
