Puppeteer Sebastian Mayer walking life-size giraffe puppet from Grimsby to Skegness in aid of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust
If you go down to the beach today you’re in for a big surprise - as a giraffe makes its way along the coast.
No, you haven’t got sand in your eyes - the giraffe in question is actually a life-sized puppet called Zafara and it’s ‘accompanying’ Sebastian Mayer in a week-long trek that starts today (Monday).
The talented puppeteer is hoisting his creation on his shoulders and taking it on an epic journey from Grimsby to Skegness in aid of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (LWT).
Zarafa, is 3.4 metres tall and weighs 9kg - and Seb also carries 5kg worth of camping gear so that he and the giraffe can stop off along the way.
Zarafa is made of carbon fibre with a cardboard skin, so that residents can draw and write messages on her as she goes.
Zarafa was created in 2023 by Sebastian and his girlfriend Daisy Beattie.
Over 10 weeks from April-June last year, Seb walked Zarafa 1,000 km through France, following in the footsteps of a real giraffe who did the same journey in 1827, when she was gifted to the French King by the ruler of Egypt.
The creation of the puppet and the walk through Lincolnshire is supported with funding from the Arts Council England.
Sebastian said: “Walking is such a great way to improve our mental and physical health, and to forge a connection with nature. Charities like the LWT are instrumental in preserving and protecting our natural spaces for generations to come. Please chip in to make this adventure count.
“I am thrilled to be back on the road with Zarafa, this time taking on the beautiful Lincolnshire Wolds and the renowned beaches of East Lindsey, although the weather will be a lot more challenging that what I’m used to, especially for a cardboard giraffe.”
Sebastian hopes to complete the 85km journey in a week, arriving in Skegness on Sunday (April 21).
You can donate to Sebastian’s campaign at www.justgiving.com/page/giraffetoskegness
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