Love the Last March

Permanent Exhibition
Edition 2 
Melbourne Zoo, Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052
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Sculptures
Love the Eastern lowland gorilla, Chimpanzee and Northern White Rhino

About the Project
The wild natural world is an exciting and magical place. It is filled with the most astounding beauty, fantastic adaptations, and charismatic creatures. People are always astonished by the planet which they had the privilege to call home, travelling to see incredible landscapes and remarkable creatures. But so often we forget to treat the earth with the respect and reverence that it deserves and this has had dire consequences.

We are currently experiencing the sixth mass extinction, and it’s happening because we are exploiting this beautiful and vibrant world in our obsession for more. In January 2020, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed 203 critically endangered mammalian species, including 31 which were tagged as possibly extinct. Every day, more animals, insects, and plant life are pushed closer to the threat of extinction with many already pushed over the edge. It is happening at an alarming rate as we as humans take over and transform the animal kingdom from one that is wild to one that is tame.

The thought of all this destruction can seem paralysing. But it shouldn’t be. It should be mobilising. We are the ones who changed the face of the earth but we also have the power to change it back. And it’s quite simple. We must restore biodiversity and stability to the world which is the very thing that we’ve been removing in our mission to control the world. We must re-wild the world.

Over the past 5 years, internationally renowned public artists, Gillie and Marc have been on a mission to save the world’s most endangered species from extinction. Through their global project Love The Last, they have been sharing the stories of animals to people all around the world, creating awareness and raising funds to change the fate of these animals before it’s too late. They have begun a movement to elevate the cause of conservation in the public mind and inspire action.

To make this count, every single person needs to join the movement, the movement of re-wilding. We must take up this cause with love and passion, spreading the flame as far as possible to make a better tomorrow together. Now, the public can join in on a great march for animals, for the environment, and for ourselves, in the great re-wild march.

We must all become advocates for the wild world. We must protect not only species of animals, but entire habitats, entire ecosystems. We must be mindful of how we are living and learn to once again live sustainably, “to move from being apart from nature, to becoming a part of nature once again.” It is only then that we will be able to change the course of the planet, moving from one of utter disaster to one of regeneration and balance.

About the Sculpture
Inspired by the witness statement and latest documentary by David Attenborough, this sculpture features three magnificent animals: an Eastern Lowland gorilla, Chimpanzee, and a Northern white rhino. The sculptures will be based on real animals that Gillie and Marc have photographed and sketched over the years, capturing the unique essence of each animal.

As the public approaches the sculpture, the animals will come to life through the use of augmented reality, creating a fully immersive experience. The public will be able to get up close and personal with these animals, experiencing the wonder and awe of the natural world.

But this sculpture is not just a celebration of these beautiful creatures. It is also a call to action, inviting the public to join in the mission to re-wild the world. Each animal will have a plaque with a QR code that leads to a webpage filled with information about the species and the threats it faces, educating the public about some of the world's most endangered species.

By taking up the torch to save the world and ultimately save ourselves, we can join the march to protect these animals and the planet they call home. This public sculpture experience is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of the planet and inspire change in the hearts and minds of all who experience it.