The Last Three
Exhibit Title:
The Last Three
Exhibition Locations:
Permanent Exhibition:
San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212
Past Exhibitions:
- MetroTech Commons, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (January 2019 – February 2020)
- Astor Place, New York, NY 10003 (January 2018 – December 2018)
About the Exhibition:
The Last Three is a monumental public sculpture and a powerful symbol of conservation, depicting the last three northern white rhinos: Sudan, the last male, and Najin and Fatu, the last two surviving females. Created by Gillie and Marc, the sculpture stands as a global call to action to protect endangered species from extinction.
Originally unveiled at Astor Place in New York City in March 2018, the sculpture has traveled to various locations, including MetroTech Commons in Brooklyn, before finding its permanent home at the San Antonio Zoo. Each installation serves as a striking reminder of the northern white rhino’s plight and inspires audiences to take action against wildlife trafficking and habitat destruction.
Designed to educate and mobilize, the sculpture incorporates QR codes that guide visitors to conservation resources and initiatives, making wildlife conservation a tangible and urgent cause for all who encounter it.
About the Project:
The Last Three is a part of Gillie and Marc’s broader mission to use art to inspire, educate, and drive real-world conservation efforts. The project highlights the devastating effects of poaching and habitat loss, which have driven the northern white rhino to the brink of extinction.
With the death of Sudan, the last male, in 2018, Najin and Fatu are now the final two survivors of their species. Gillie and Marc aim to bring their story to the forefront, urging governments, organizations, and individuals to act. By partnering with the Ol Pejeta Conservancy and leveraging platforms like Nat Geo WILD, the artists have raised critical awareness and funds to support rhino conservation.
About the Sculptures:
The sculpture stands as the world’s tallest rhino artwork, depicting Sudan, Najin, and Fatu in a moment of connection. The life-size bronze artwork serves as a poignant tribute to the northern white rhino and highlights the urgent need for conservation.
By placing The Last Three in urban environments, Gillie and Marc create opportunities for meaningful engagement. Visitors are encouraged to take photos, share the message with the hashtag #LoveTheLast, and explore ways to support conservation efforts directly.
Partners:
- Nat Geo WILD: Sponsors of The Last Three, Nat Geo WILD is dedicated to using the power of storytelling to inspire action for wildlife conservation.
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Home to Najin and Fatu, Ol Pejeta is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and plays a critical role in protecting the northern white rhinos.
- San Antonio Zoo: A leading conservation organization committed to wildlife education and preservation.
- Astor Place: Hosted The Last Three in 2018, showcasing the sculpture in a vibrant, artistic community in New York City.
- The Thomas Collective: A marketing and PR agency that helped launch the sculpture and raise awareness globally.
- New York City Department of Transportation’s Art Program: Supported the installation of The Last Three as part of its public art initiative.
About the Animal:
The northern white rhino, once numbering 40,000, is now critically endangered, with only two females, Najin and Fatu, left in existence. Poaching, driven by demand for rhino horns, has decimated their population.
Rhino horns are worth more than gold on the black market, making these animals targets for armies of poachers. Najin and Fatu live under constant protection, but their survival comes at a high cost. Monumental efforts are needed to prevent their extinction and protect other species from a similar fate.
How to Help:
- Donate to Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Support the largest black rhino sanctuary and help protect Najin and Fatu. Donations directly fund 24/7 security and medical care. Donate Here
- Buy a Mini Sculpture: Gillie and Marc have created mini maquettes of The Last Three. Proceeds support future conservation projects. Shop Here
- Spread Awareness: Share photos of the sculpture with the hashtag #LoveTheLast to amplify the message.
