Shandu the Buried Rhino

About the Project
After one year of preparation, hundreds of sponsors, and two huge days of installation, the world’s largest rhino sculpture, Shandu, the Buried Rhino was placed on Sydney’s famous Tamarama Beach as part of the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition in 2016.  

“Shandu means change in South Africa and this was one rhino who lived up to his name,” Marc says. Not only did millions of visitors come to see Shandu but thousands of photos were uploaded to social media. Shandu won both the Allen’s People’s Choice Award and Kids’ Choice Award. This is only the third time in the 20-year history of Sculpture by the Sea Bondi that an artwork has been awarded both, as voted by the public.

Gillie and Marc donated all their prize money to The Australian Rhino Project (ARP). The ARP aims to relocate 80 endangered Southern White Rhinoceros to Australia in an effort to safeguard the species. Besides nationwide media coverage, Shandu received worldwide media exposure from publications including the UK’s Telegraph and BBC UK. Every single TV channel in Australia featured Shandu too. All this press meant the ARP were flooded with calls with offers to volunteer.  The artists managed to raise a massive $17,000 altogether to go towards the ARP.

About The Animal
There are two species of rhino endemic to Africa, the black and white rhino. Both of these beautiful species are in danger with the northern white rhino functionally extinct, only with two female rhinos left in the whole world.

Rhinos are one of the last remaining examples of mega-fauna, huge animals that have been around for millions of years. But they are in trouble because of humans. We are taking their homes to expand our own, but worst of all, we are taking their beautiful horns and leaving them for dead. Rhino horn is made from keratin, the same substance as our hair and fingernails. It is used in traditional Chinese medicines, encouraging a roaring trade on the black market, despite the mounting scientific evidence proving there are no health benefits. Now, all rhinos are in trouble and it so important that we raise awareness so we can stop this trade once and for all, protecting one of our most iconic animals in the process.  

About The Project
After one year of preparation, hundreds of sponsors, and two huge days of installation, the world’s largest rhino sculpture, Shandu, the Buried Rhino was placed on Sydney’s famous Tamarama Beach as part of the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition in 2016. 

“Shandu means change in South Africa and this was one rhino who lived up to his name,” Marc says. Not only did millions of visitors come to see Shandu but thousands of photos were uploaded to social media. Shandu won both the Allen’s People’s Choice Award and Kids’ Choice Award. This is only the third time in the 20-year history of Sculpture by the Sea Bondi that an artwork has been awarded both, as voted by the public.

Gillie and Marc donated all their prize money to The Australian Rhino Project (ARP). The ARP aims to relocate 80 endangered Southern White Rhinoceros to Australia in an effort to safeguard the species. Besides nationwide media coverage, Shandu received worldwide media exposure from publications including the UK’s Telegraph and BBC UK. Every single TV channel in Australia featured Shandu too. All this press meant the ARP were flooded with calls with offers to volunteer.  The artists managed to raise a massive $17,000 altogether to go towards the ARP.

Exhibition Locations
Shandu has now been installed into Monarto Zoo, the world’s largest open-range zoo. “We’re thrilled that Shandu has found his new home in Monarto Zoo,” Marc says. Shandu can be found soaking up in the rays in a gorgeous spot outside the visitor centre situated between the chimps and yellow-footed rock wallabies. “Monarto is a very rhino-focused place,” Gillie explains. “They even have a rhino for a logo so we know he will be very happy there next to his chimp and wallaby friends.”

How To Help
The sculpture is aligned with the hashtag #LoveTheLast. Visitors will be asked to take a photo with the artwork and share it with the hashtag, jump starting efforts to spread critical awareness. To help protect the rhinos you can give a donation to The Australian Rhino Project, a fantastic organisation fighting for African rhinos: https://theaustralianrhinoproject.org/