Beloved giraffe art installation, ‘Nina’, finds new home at local school

Hands up if you know Sale’s ‘Nina’ the giraffe? 🦒

Well, as of today, the beloved art installation has found a new home at Springfield Primary School.

It’s not every day that you see a 12-foot giraffe being lifted up © Glenn Rees

Nina was first introduced to M33 in 2016 during the Sale Art Zoo event, which showcased a collection of animals decorated by local artists. After a naming competition, the 12-foot giraffe, adorned with artwork by Sarah Mitch, was adopted by Stanley Square for Market Walk and has been a cherished fixture and local landmark ever since.

As Stanley Square continues its redevelopment, it was time to find Nina a new home. Thankfully, Tony Martin, general manager of Stanley Square and governor at Springfield School had a plan.

After reaching out to Springfield’s head teacher Mrs Chard to suggest a new addition, she was thrilled to welcome Nina to the school's sensory garden.

Nina the giraffe has been relocated to Springfield Primary School in Sale © Glenn Rees

Sale shoppers got a bit of a surprise today as Nina the giraffe was relocated © Glenn Rees

Tony said, “Finding a new location for Nina was easy, as a governor at Springfield School I asked head teacher Mrs Chard if the school could offer her a new home and she was delighted to and said that it would be something that the pupils would be very excited about.

“The second challenge was, how do you get a 12-foot giraffe over to the school? Glenn of Grip Adventure in Sale jumped to assist and in true community spirit Glenn, along with a group of helpful teenagers, will be carrying Nina over to the school – I am sure that it will be a site for passers-by!”

Nina’s move to a new home will make way in Market Walk for a purpose-built kiosk set to house local, established business Best Brows.