Encrusted in diamonds and crystals and standing out in its pearlised coat, the Pride in Bournemouth’s head lion, Temba, is being created thanks to Poole Audi and Bump! Smart repairs.

The Pride in Bournemouth project, an imaginative public arts project involving creatively decorated lion statues, will be welcoming the head of the pride, Temba, once it is created with the help of Bump! and local artist Natalie Guy.

Sponsored by premier car dealership, Poole Audi, Temba has been named after the Zulu word for hope. The life size statue is being created to pay respect to White Lions, rare animals that are held in high esteem the world over and are etched in African folklore.

With only 100 to 130 White Lions thought to exist in the world, they are very much an ore inspiring sight and one of great beauty. Poole Audi is paying homage to the creature’s magnificence by really making it stand out from the pride.

It will be painted in Audi pearlised white at Bump! and then given to Natalie to encrust the lion with thousands of Swarovski crystals which will be applied to its mane, lower legs and tail. There will also be real diamonds added to the creature to give it even more sparkle and splendour.

BUMP! SMART repair technician Luke Sutcliffe said: “Painting a lion definitely makes a nice change from painting car bumpers, doors or wings.”

Temba’s coat will be created with a specalised process where it will be sanded down, before painting and then a ‘wet on wet’ primer will be applied to help the paint to adhere to the material that the lion is made from. Audi “Ibis White” paint will then be sprayed over the whole lion as a ground coat.

A gold pearl paint process will then be used to highlight the detail on Temba’s face, mane, paws, body and tail to create a shimmering effect when Temba catches the light. Finally, a clear lacquer will be applied to protect and enhance Temba’s new coat and get him ready for his bling!

Luke continued by saying: “You don’t often get the opportunity to do a three stage pearl paint job. Much of the process of painting the lion’s coat is very similar to spraying a vehicle; however, we decided that Temba should be allowed to dry naturally after painting rather than being ‘baked’. Bump! Manager, Dave Wade said: “It’s a pleasure to work with Poole Audi on this project and we can’t wait to see Temba with all his crystals!”

Although not albino, White Lions have a rare genetic mutation that gives them a creamy white coat and stunning blue eyes.

Originating from the Timbavati Reserve, part of the western Kruger Park in South Africa, Temba will give residents of Bournemouth and the surrounding area the opportunity to see a rare White Lion for themselves when it takes pride of place at the Mayor’s Ball, as well as other events held in and around the town, before joining the rest of the pride in the exhibition this summer.