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Dimensions
TBC
Medium
Bronze with Bronze Patina
Edition Number
/15
Sponsored By
Sponsor Name
Description
This endearing and imaginative bronze sculpture brings together the ancient, slow-moving charm of the Galapagos tortoise with the lively spirit of roller-skating. The artwork depicts a stately Galapagos tortoise, its sturdy legs outfitted with a pair of retro roller skates, symbolizing resilience in the face of accelerating change. Adding to its appeal, the sculpture invites direct interaction: members of the public are encouraged to sit atop the tortoise and “ride” along, creating a playful yet poignant connection to the conservation message. This interactive element transforms viewers from passive observers into participants, highlighting the role humans must play in supporting and protecting these critically endangered animals. By placing the tortoise in the surreal scenario of roller-skating, the artist underscores the stark contrast between the timeless, enduring pace of nature and the rapid acceleration of modern life. The roller skates—emblems of speed and adaptability—juxtapose with the tortoise’s ancient form, inviting reflection on the pressures fast-moving environmental changes impose on species that evolve slowly. The result is a whimsical, thought-provoking piece that entertains while inspiring action for conservation.
Sculpture Title
The Galapagos Tortoise Races on Roller Skates
Animal Name
Name goes here
Conservation Status
Endangered
About the Galapagos Tortoise
The Galápagos tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra complex) is one of the most iconic species of the Galápagos Islands, renowned for its massive size, long lifespan, and evolutionary significance. These tortoises were instrumental in shaping Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, as their physical differences from island to island illustrated natural selection in action. Historically, hundreds of thousands of Galápagos tortoises roamed the archipelago, but their numbers plummeted due to overhunting by sailors, habitat destruction, and the introduction of invasive species such as rats, pigs, and goats that preyed on eggs and competed for food.
Today, it is estimated that around 15,000 Galápagos tortoises remain across several islands, divided into 13 recognized subspecies, some of which are still critically endangered. Intensive conservation and breeding programs, led by the Galápagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Foundation, have helped restore populations on islands like Española and Isabela. While their recovery is a conservation success story, ongoing efforts are crucial to protect their fragile ecosystems and ensure the long-term survival of these ancient giants.
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
