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Dimensions
TBC
Medium
Bronze with Bronze Patina
Edition Number
/15
Sponsored By
Sponsor Name
Description
This bronze sculpture presents a whimsical yet deeply meaningful scene: a West African lion and a Masai giraffe sharing a scooter, with room left behind for an adventurous passenger. The giraffe leads at the front, its long neck stretching skyward while the lion perches behind, holding on with quiet strength and resolve. Behind them, an open space invites the public to imagine themselves joining this extraordinary ride. By uniting these iconic African animals on a single scooter and leaving space for human participation, the artist creates a bridge between the natural world and human experience. The scooter, a symbol of modern motion and convenience, contrasts with the untamed grace of the giraffe and the endangered majesty of the West African lion. Once widespread across the region, this subspecies now faces severe decline due to habitat loss, poaching, and dwindling prey — making its depiction here both a tribute and a plea for protection. This playful composition thus carries a quiet urgency. It encourages reflection on our shared journey with wildlife — reminding us that we are not mere observers of nature, but passengers whose actions determine its fate. Both inviting and symbolic, the sculpture transforms a simple ride into a celebration of imagination, coexistence, and our collective responsibility to safeguard Earth’s most vulnerable creatures.
Sculpture Title
The Masai Giraffe and Lion Race on the Scooter
Animal Names
Name goes here
Conservation Status
Critically endangered (lion)
Endangered (giraffe)
About the Masai Giraffe and West African Lion
The Masai giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi) is the largest giraffe subspecies, native to central and southern Kenya and Tanzania. It is easily recognized by its irregular, star-shaped patches and towering height, which can reach up to 18 feet. Masai giraffes browse on leaves, flowers, and fruits from tall trees, especially acacias, and play a vital role in shaping savanna ecosystems by pruning vegetation and dispersing seeds.
The Masai giraffe is listed as Endangered by the IUCN, with an estimated about 45,000 individuals remaining in the wild. Their population has declined sharply due to poaching, habitat loss, and human encroachment. Conservation efforts include anti-poaching patrols, habitat protection, and community-based wildlife programs in Kenya and Tanzania. These measures aim to stabilize and grow populations to ensure the long-term survival of this iconic African species.
The West African lion (Panthera leo leo) is a critically endangered subspecies native to the savannas and forests of West Africa, found mainly in countries such as Senegal, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso. Smaller and less maned than other African lions, it has a slender build and a darker coat. As an apex predator, the West African lion plays a vital ecological role by regulating herbivore populations and maintaining ecosystem balance. However, its numbers have plummeted, with fewer than 400 individuals remaining in the wild, mostly in isolated reserves like Niokolo-Koba National Park and the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex.
The population decline is driven by habitat loss, poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and the depletion of natural prey. In response, conservation organizations such as Panthera and the IUCN Cat Specialist Group are working to protect and restore populations through anti-poaching efforts, habitat preservation, and community-based conservation programs. These initiatives aim to reconnect fragmented habitats and promote coexistence with local people, offering hope for the long-term survival of one of Africa’s most endangered and iconic predators.
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
