Banksy's latest work appears on London Zoo gates

An artwork appearing on 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.

This is the ninth Banksy to appear in as many days in London and follows images that have appeared every morning since August 5 of a goat, elephants, monkeysA wolf, pelicansA cat, piranhas and one rhinoceros.

A London Zoo spokesperson said it was "absolutely brilliant" and added that the artwork would be preserved.

Daniel Simmonds, Head of Animal Operations at London Zoo, said: “Banksy is now 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 world.

“We are so honored that he chose to use our front shutters this morning to showcase one of his incredible works of art.

"I think it's absolutely brilliant," he told BBC News.

He said staff had no idea Banksy was planning to carry out the work there.

"That's part of the incredible enigma of Banksy and that's why it's so exciting to come this morning," Mr Simmonds added.

Security officers were deployed to secure a barrier that was erected around the mural.

Mr Simmonds said the shutter would remain closed today and two others would be used instead so visitors could admire the work.

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

He added that he expected more people to come on Tuesday, in addition to the thousands who had already booked.

“It’s going to be a busy day.”

Mr Simmons later confirmed that the work would be protected.

“We will definitely preserve it. We might even consider putting plexiglass around it.

"The last thing we want, in the typical London climate, after having been through one of the worst winters in our history, is to see this building damaged by the weather."

He added that it was likely to remain in the same location for the immediate future, but could then be moved elsewhere on the site.

The commitment to protect the last image follows the removal or partial degradation of several other works in the series.

Banksy's depiction of a rhino riding a Nissan Micra with a traffic cone on its bonnet in Charlton was seen being spray-painted with a white dollar sign and a 'V' sign on Monday, shortly after it was unveiled.

The Royal Borough of Greenwich said it was "a real shame that a senseless vandal has defaced the mural, which has already attracted visitors and brought so much joy to many".

"The council is currently considering what would be reasonably possible for the future of the artwork and will monitor it closely."

A worker has since been seen installing a protective covering over the Westmoor Street mural.

The car and traffic cone were removed, but it is not known why or who was responsible.

Last week, a satellite dish with a picture of a howling wolf on it - the fourth image in the series - was apparently stolen from the roof of a garage in Peckham.

And a disused billboard in Cricklewood that featured Banksy's image of a stretching cat - the sixth image in the series - was dismantled for safety reasons.

Banksy's team told the BBC that the latest work was the final piece in the series, which captured the attention of Banksy's followers for more than a week.

The artist appears to have installed the works overnight on each occasion.

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

Banksy usually confirms he is behind the creations at 1pm BST each day, however, he announced the latest work on his Instagram page on Tuesday morning.