The Banksy mural which appeared on London Zoo’s front shutters this week  [Simon Lamrock]

WHEN animals stage a breakout from London Zoo, it is usually a case of scrambling to recapture whatever exotic creature had fancied a walk through Regent’s Park.

But on Tuesday morning zoo staff were more pleased than perturbed when graffiti artist Banksy left a trademark piece on their main gates.

It showed a gorilla helping others, including a sea lion, make a break for freedom.

It was the ninth image the artist had created on London streets in nine days, all with animal themes.

Images of elephants, a wolf, monkeys, pelicans, cat, goat, fish and a rhino have appeared on walls.

London Zoo’s Daniel Simmonds said zookeepers had been buzzing with the news that the world famous mystery artist had paid a nocturnal visit.

Everybody wants a picture as security guard the artwork [Simon Lamrock]

He said: “I think it’s absolutely brilliant. Banksy has become part of the London scene and it’s really nice to share his iconic status with, ultimately, one of the most iconic zoos in the entire world. We’re quite honoured he’s chosen to use our front shutters this morning to put one of his incredible artworks.”

Banksy has previously chosen a wall next to the Roundhouse in Chalk Farm and a gable end of a Kentish Town terrace to use as a canvas.

Mr Simmonds, ZSL’s zoological operations manager, added staff had been pleasantly surprised when they showed up for work to find the art in place and a bemused zoo security guard (inset) standing next to it with a barrier to stop crowds getting too close.

The artwork, on the front gate shutters, will remain on view this week before the zoo decides what to do with it.

It could still be moved inside the zoo perimeter to be seen by paying visitors.

A zoo spokesperson said on Wednesday: “We’re still working out exactly what we’ll do with it. To protect it from the elements, it’s currently been covered by some Perspex, but it is likely it’ll be moved and preserved at some point.”

The Freedom For Animals charity said the zoo had “missed the point” of the artwork, while the Animal Justice Project said it could be a call for them to “live a life of freedom”.