CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO LOVE THE LAST WILDLIFE FUND
Dimensions
TBC
Medium
Bronze with Bronze Patina
Edition Number
/15
Sponsored By
Sponsor Name
Description
A captivating bronze sculpture bench draws the public into a scene of joy and vitality as Rabbitwoman and Dogman sit beside an endangered West African lion, sharing in the playful indulgence of eating giant strawberries. The lion, positioned at the center of the bench, becomes the focal point of this gathering, symbolizing both power and vulnerability — a king of beasts whose survival depends on the care and respect of humankind.On either side, Rabbitwoman and Dogman — Gillie and Marc’s beloved Wildlife Warriors — eat strawberries alongside the lion, embodying harmony, guardianship, and the possibility of coexistence. Their open posture leaves room on both ends of the bench, inviting the public to join in, sit close, and take part in this whimsical feast. The lion itself represents strength, courage, and the fragile majesty of the natural world. Placed between Rabbitwoman and Dogman, it becomes a symbol of trust and togetherness — a reminder that even the most powerful creatures need protection. The act of sharing strawberries, sweet and abundant, is transformed into a metaphor for generosity, unity, and the simple pleasures that bridge the distance between species. The Lion Bench of Friendship is more than a seat — it is a joyful call to nurture, protect, and savor the beauty of endangered wildlife before it is lost.
Sculpture Title
The Lion Bench of Friendship
Animal Name
Name goes here
Conservation Status
Critically Endangered
About the West African Lion
The West African lion is a subspecies of the African lion found in parts of West and Central Africa, including Senegal, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso. Smaller and more genetically distinct than its southern and eastern relatives, it inhabits savanna and forest-edge environments where prey is often scarce. These lions typically live in smaller prides or even as solitary individuals, adapting to regions with lower prey density and greater human presence. Unfortunately, the West African lion is among the most endangered large cats in the world. Habitat fragmentation, poaching of both lions and their prey, and human–wildlife conflict due to livestock predation have drastically reduced their numbers. Once ranging across vast areas, fewer than 250 individuals are believed to remain in the wild today. Conservation groups are working to establish protected corridors and strengthen anti-poaching measures, but continued pressure from land development and climate change poses serious challenges. Without sustained international and local efforts, the West African lion risks disappearing entirely, taking with it a vital piece of Africa’s natural heritage.
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.
