The Mini G that travelled over 6000 miles!

Cambridge resident, Jonathan had big plans when he purchased Dinky Doors ‘Metropogiraffolis (Stunt Double)’ giraffe sculpture from our Cambridge Standing Tall trail last year.  

The Mini G has embarked on an incredible journey halfway across the world, to an island near Hong Kong. The giraffe now resides at his late mother's home, where Jonathan will be launching a foundation for young artists who might not have the opportunities they deserve. But transporting a giraffe thousands of miles to a small island wasn’t easy.

“I studied in Cambridge and whilst I was here, I really enjoyed seeing the cow sculptures and the tiny, fun little doors that Dinky Doors placed all around the city. Since moving back to the city to work, I’ve wanted something that could represent my time here. So when the Dinky Doors sculpture came up at auction, I couldn’t resist. I knew it would be perfect for the plans I had for my mother’s home, and it felt fitting to be able to take a part of Cambridge over there.  

However, getting the giraffe to Hong Kong and then to the car-free island where my mother had lived was an adventure in itself! Unlike the antiques my parents used to ship via sea freight, a process that took months, this journey was much quicker thanks to being able to get it on plane! But then the real challenge began to transport it to the island, especially as I couldn’t be there! 

The ferry to the island won’t take large items, so the giraffe had to be taken to the commercial dock, to the one person who does transport these kind of goods. I had to make sure everyone knew where it was going and to who! Once on the island it was carefully transported using one of the few small, motorized trolleys allowed on the island, before finally being manually carried up dozens of steps to reach the house. It was a logistical puzzle, but I had a great team on the island making sure it all ran smoothly!  

For now, the giraffe is indoors, sheltered from the typhoons that sweep through Hong Kong. But soon, it will find its permanent home on the terrace, overlooking the garden. “I love the idea that in the future young artists from difficult backgrounds will have the opportunity come here to work and that they may be inspired by the sculpture. And the connection that this has with Break and their work they do with young people in care, I feel that this Mini Gs journey has come full circle.” 

If you think you could give one of our safari animals a new, forever home, register to attend our Charity Auction.