Weighing almost 8 tonnes (7.9 long tons) and standing at 5.2 metres (17 feet) tall, it is intended to be a cross between a banana and a lamb and was designed by New York City-based Japanese artist Taro Chiezo.

[1] Chiezo created only a four-inch model; the full-size replica was made by local artists Andy Small, Julian Taylor, Tommy Reason, and Ray Stokes.

Developed for the 1998 ArtTransPennine Exhibition, the sculpture reflects the history of Liverpool, as both sheep and bananas were historically common cargos in the city's docks; it is also a comment on the potential dangers of genetic engineering.

One sculpture, The Highest SuperLambBanana, was located on top of Moel Famau, North Wales, to recognise the city’s close links with that region.

An ironic comment on the dangers of genetic engineering, it was developed with the city in mind, as both bananas and lambs were once common cargos in Liverpool's bustling docks.

He had previously visited the city and been inspired by the Queensway Tunnel's ventilation shaft, in particular the symbolism of how a vital piece of 1930's engineering was incorporated into a broader “sculpture” (or, in this case, an aesthetically attractive building).

[5][6][7] It was created using a wire-mesh frame that supported a concrete and fibreglass shell[5] and was developed at the former Bryant and May Matchworks factory in the south of the city at a total cost of £35,000.

[14] Six months later, in February 2009, it was announced that an agreement was reached between the two parties: a new replica made by original sculptor Julian Taylor would remain in the city for the next 80 years.

[17] The Liverpool Echo partnered with the event, releasing a location map and guide of every mini Superlambanana to encourage locals to get involved.

Other notable purchasers included comedian John Bishop, playwright Fred Lawless and Big Brother star Craig Phillips.