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Dimensions
TBC
Medium
Bronze with Bronze Patina
Edition Number
/15
Sponsored By
Sponsor Name
Description
A captivating bronze sculpture bench invites the public into a whimsical yet meaningful scene as a Père David’s Deer, an endangered species once driven to extinction in the wild, sits at the center of the bench holding a balloon. On either side, Rabbitwoman and Dogman join the deer, each holding their own balloon aloft. Together, the trio creates a vision of joy and lightness, inviting the public to pause, smile, and reflect.The deer, with its gentle stance and rare history of survival through human care, symbolizes hope, resilience, and the delicate balance of conservation. Its central position highlights its preciousness, a reminder that even species once thought lost can be saved when people choose to act. Rabbitwoman and Dogman — Gillie and Marc’s beloved Wildlife Warriors — mirror the deer’s gesture, their balloons floating upward in unison. The act of holding balloons becomes a metaphor for celebration and aspiration: a symbol of lifting spirits, carrying hope, and letting care rise above indifference. The open ends of the bench invite the public to sit down and join in, symbolically taking hold of their own balloon and adding to the shared celebration of life. xwThe Deer Bench of Friendship becomes more than a seat — it is a joyful reminder that protecting endangered species is not only a responsibility but also a triumph worth celebrating, filled with hope, resilience, and the promise of renewal.
Sculpture Title
The Deer Bench of Friendship
Animal Name
Name goes here
Conservation Status
Endangered
About the Père David’s Deer
Père David’s deer, also known as the milu, is a large deer species native to the marshlands of China. Distinguished by its long tail, large hooves, and uniquely shaped antlers that curve backward and then forward, it thrives in wet, swampy environments. Historically, Père David’s deer became extinct in the wild due to overhunting and habitat loss, surviving only in captivity after a small group was taken to Europe in the 19th century. From these captive populations, successful breeding programs eventually made it possible to reintroduce the species to protected reserves in China, such as the Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve.
Today, Père David’s deer represents one of conservation’s most remarkable recovery stories, though it remains classified as “Extinct in the Wild” outside reintroduced areas. Ongoing challenges include limited genetic diversity and the risk of disease or flooding in its confined habitats. Despite these risks, continued protection and careful management have allowed the population to grow steadily, offering hope that this once-lost species will remain a symbol of resilience and the power of conservation.
How to Help
Inspired by animals that Gillie and Marc met on their travels, we invite the public to discover and interact with these beautiful creatures up close and personal – this allows audiences to connect, take photographs and share their favourite species with friends and family.
With more exposure comes more awareness and builds on the love we already have for animals around the world. With love comes a greater sense of urgency to create a change and save all endangered animals.
The sculpture will be aligned with the hashtag #GillieandMarc and #LoveTheLast to raise unparalleled awareness about the sculpture’s cause across the globe.
Give Back to Love The Last Wildlife Fund
With every edition purchased, Gillie and Marc will donate a percentage of proceeds to support Love The Last Wildlife Fund.
Love The Last Wildlife Fund is a global conservation organization devoted to saving 21 of the most critically endangered animals on Earth. Motivated by a deep love for nature and wildlife, the Fund focuses on protecting species that stand on the very edge of extinction through science-driven conservation, habitat restoration, and community collaboration.
Its initiatives include anti-poaching efforts, rescue and rehabilitation programs, and sustainable development projects that help local communities coexist with wildlife. By combining compassion with action, Love The Last Wildlife Fund works to ensure that these 21 remarkable species are not lost forever, preserving the planet’s natural heritage for future generations.
Artwork Features
Gillie and Marc love working in bronze for many reasons. Bronze is a very hardy material and will last forever. As experts in coloring bronze, Gillie and Marc enjoy experimenting with their sculptures, adding a splash of color to brighten the work, making it even more unique. > Read more
For every purchase of a bronze sculpture you will receive a certificate of authenticity, titled, signed, dated and editioned by the artists.
