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Dimensions
TBC
Medium
Bronze with Bronze Patina
Edition Number
/15
Sponsored By
Sponsor Name
Description
This whimsical and captivating bronze sculpture juxtaposes the formidable presence of a hippopotamus with the playful act of riding a tandem bicycle built for three. At the front, a robust and amiable hippo takes the lead, pedaling with steadfast determination. Close behind, a spirited red wolf matches its rhythm, embodying energy and cunning. The final seat remains open for the public, an invitation to join this unlikely duo on their journey toward conservation. Together, they form a united procession—hippo, fox, and human—riding in perfect harmony to champion the survival of endangered species. The tandem bicycle, a symbol of shared effort and forward momentum, contrasts with their natural habitats, sparking reflection on the impact of human actions on wildlife. Through this imaginative scene, the artists remind us that the path to protecting these creatures is one we must travel together.
Sculpture Title
The Hippo and Red Wolf Race on the Bicycle
Animal Names
Name goes here
Conservation Status
Endangered (red wolf)
Vulnerable (hippopotamus)
About the Hippopotamus and the Red Wolf
The common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is a large, semi-aquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. It spends most of its time in rivers and lakes to stay cool, coming out at night to graze on grasses. Hippos are vital to freshwater ecosystems, helping cycle nutrients and shape river habitats.
Today, the species is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, with about 115,000 to 130,000 individuals left in the wild. Their numbers are falling due to poaching, habitat loss, and drought. Conservation efforts focus on anti-poaching patrols, habitat protection, and trade restrictions under CITES to prevent further decline.
The red wolf (Canis rufus) is a medium-sized canid native to the southeastern United States, once ranging from Texas to Florida and up to Pennsylvania. It has a reddish-brown coat, long legs, and a slender build, making it distinct from both gray wolves and coyotes. Red wolves are social animals that live in family packs and play a key ecological role as apex predators, helping control prey populations and maintain balance in their ecosystems.
The red wolf is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, with fewer than 20 individuals remaining in the wild, all in eastern North Carolina. Around 250 red wolves live in captivity as part of breeding and recovery programs. Their survival is threatened by habitat loss, human conflict, and hybridization with coyotes. Conservation efforts focus on habitat restoration, public education, and reintroduction programs to rebuild wild populations and prevent the species from disappearing entirely.
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
