A work of art hanging from the shutters of London Zoo has been confirmed as the latest and final image in Banksy’s surprise animal art trail through the capital.

It shows a gorilla lifting the shutter to release a sea lion and birds, while other animals appear to watch from inside.

It is the ninth Banksy painting in nine days in London and follows the images that have appeared every morning since August 5 and show a goat, elephants, monkeys, a wolf, pelicans, a cat, piranhas and a rhinoceros.

A spokesman for London Zoo called it “absolutely brilliant” and said the work would be preserved.

“I think it’s absolutely brilliant,” said Daniel Simmonds, animal operations manager at London Zoo.

“Banksy has become part of the London scene and it’s really nice to share his iconic status with one of the most iconic zoos in the world.

“We are very honoured that he has chosen to use our shutters this morning to display one of his incredible works of art,” he told BBC News.

He said the employees had no idea that Banksy was planning to place the work at that location.

“That’s part of the amazing enigma of Banksy and that’s why it’s so exciting to come here this morning,” added Mr Simmonds.

Security forces were called in to secure a cordon that was erected around the mural.

Mr Simmonds said the shutter would remain closed today and two others would be used instead to allow visitors to view the work.

“It’s really important that we share this with everyone.”

He added that he expected more visitors today in addition to the thousands who had already booked.

“It’s going to be a busy day.”

Mr Simmons later confirmed that the artwork would be protected.

“We will definitely preserve it. We may even consider surrounding it with plexiglass.

“The last thing we want in the typical London weather, having just experienced one of the worst winters on record, is to see the building damaged by the weather.”

He added that the building would likely remain at the same location for the immediate future, but could then potentially be relocated to another location on the site.

As Banksy and his team told the BBC, his latest work is the last piece in a series that has been attracting the attention of Banksy fans for over a week.

The artist appears to have installed each work overnight.

Crowds were seen gathering each morning after passersby discovered the works, with many posting photos on social media.

Banksy usually confirms that he stands behind his works every day at 13:00 BST. However, he announced the latest work on his Instagram Page on Tuesday morning.

The London Zoo reacted on its own initiative Instagram Account: “Have our animals helped bring smiles to people’s faces across London this week?”