King Nyani
Exhibit Title:
King Nyani
Exhibition Locations:
Permanent Exhibitions:
Taronga Zoo Sydney, Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia
Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr, Greenwich, CT 06830, United States
Past Exhibition:
Bella Abzug Park, 542 W 36th St., New York, NY 10018 (January 2021 – January 2022)
About the Exhibition:
King Nyani is a monumental sculpture of a silverback gorilla, the largest bronze gorilla sculpture on the planet, created to inspire love, compassion, and action for gorilla conservation.
The sculpture, now permanently displayed at both Taronga Zoo Sydney and the Bruce Museum, offers an extraordinary interactive experience. Visitors are invited to sit in King Nyani's hand, large enough to hold one or two people, symbolizing the gentle giant’s capacity for care and protection. The installation flips the iconic story of King Kong, showing a side of the gorilla that is often misunderstood—its kindness, empathy, and strength.
Originally showcased at Bella Abzug Park in New York City, King Nyani captivated audiences, inviting them to connect with one of humanity’s closest relatives and become champions for its survival.
About the Project:
King Nyani was born from Gillie and Marc’s travels in Uganda, where they observed the majestic silverbacks of Africa. They were struck by the compassion these gorillas showed for their families and were inspired to share this gentle side of the species with the world.
The sculpture aims to bring attention to the critical threats gorillas face, including illegal poaching, war, and deforestation, which have drastically reduced their populations. There are now fewer than 1,000 mountain gorillas and less than 3,800 eastern lowland gorillas left in the wild. These numbers are a stark reminder of humanity’s role in their endangerment and our responsibility to protect them.
By creating King Nyani as an interactive, public artwork, Gillie and Marc hope to inspire love and action for gorilla conservation, turning fear into admiration and making everyone a protector of this extraordinary species.
About the Sculpture:
King Nyani stands as the largest bronze gorilla sculpture in the world, designed to create an intimate and interactive experience. Inspired by the story of King Kong, the sculpture reimagines the gorilla as a gentle, loving protector rather than a fearsome creature.
The public is invited to sit in King Nyani’s hand, symbolizing a shared responsibility to protect gorillas. This unique interaction encourages visitors to see gorillas not as beasts but as kindred spirits who need our help to survive.
Gillie and Marc’s attention to detail in capturing the silverback’s expression of kindness and strength creates a powerful message of hope, love, and conservation.
How to Help:
- Learn more about gorillas and the challenges they face by visiting the Taronga Zoo Sydney or the Bruce Museum.
- Share a photo with King Nyani using the hashtag #LoveTheLast to raise awareness.
- Support organizations that fight for gorilla conservation through donations or volunteering efforts.
