Massive Rhino Sculpture Installed in NYC Brings Attention to Last 3 Northern White Rhinos

Astor Place in New York City has become home to a special sculpture that represents the last living members of a species that has been nearly wiped off the face of the earth thanks to poaching. The Northern White Rhino is extinct in the wild and only three individuals remain alive in captivity. “The Last Three,” a sculpture of the three survivors, was created by Australian artists Gillie and Marc Schattner, and it aims to draw attention to the plight of the species.

The 17-foot bronze sculpture was officially unveiled on March 15th. Gillie and Marc Schattner, celebrated artists whose works have been installed all around the world, are especially dedicated to conservation and their art “pays homage to the magnificence of the natural world, and the importance of preserving it.”

They decided to make the installation after meeting the last three Northern White Rhinos in Kenya for the first time. “The tallest rhino sculpture in the world is a memorial to their lives and marks the day where the world finally decides to end rhino poaching forever,” they wrote.

The Schattners called the day of the unveiling of their sculpture the proudest day of their lives. “The response has been overwhelming and we are incredibly emotional by all the support,” they said.

Read full article >