Taronga Zoo Unveil “World’s Largest Bronze Gorilla Statue”

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: April 12, 2022 5:32 pm

Gorilla Bronze Statue Taronga Zoo Sydney

The world's largest gorilla bronze statue is seen in its new home at Taronga Zoo Sydney

Photo Credit: Taronga Zoo Sydney

Taronga Zoo Sydney have become home to the third version of the world's largest bronze gorilla statue, King Nyani. The Sydney artwork joins copies at the Brookfield Zoo, Chicago and the Bruce Museum, CT, USA.

At 30ft long the impressive statue has been internationally recognized since its debut in August 2020 when it made its way in to the hearts of New Yorkers. The work was created by public artists Gillie and Marc.

“On a trip to Uganda, we had the unbelievable privilege to meet a family of critically endangered mountain gorillas. We were bewitched by the incredible silverback, the head of the family, and his unforgettable love and kindness towards every member of his family,” shares Gillie.

Knowing the reputation gorillas had gained from movies such as Kong the pair set about changing public perception through their favorite medium, art.

“In the movie, Kong is seen as a ferocious beast. That was so far from our experience meeting the actual animals. We wanted to show the world that this great creature was really a pacifist who put family above all else,” shares Marc.

The experience of meeting this king is unlike any other with guests invited to sit in his hand and stare up at his face. Taronga’s vision is to secure a shared future for wildlife and people. Sitting in the giant hand of King Nyani brings Taronga’s conservation message to life – the future is in our hands.

 

“We wanted to create a sculpture where the public could really get close to the silverback, both physically and emotionally. Being able to sit in his hand and look up into his gentle face we hope they will fall in love and join the movement to save the gorillas,” says Gillie.

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The third iteration of the artwork was unveiled in Sydney today. It was decided to produce three versions of this piece to increase the potential impact on gorilla conservation.

“We decided to create three editions after seeing the unbelievable response to the original Nyani in NYC. We knew that this was a cause that many people were willing to get behind. This was a chance to inspire 3 times as many people to protect gorillas to save them from extinction,” Gillie explains.

Guests visiting King Nyani in his new home at Taronga Zoo Sydney will be helping to provide funds which can go back into the support, care and protection of wildlife.

 

Taronga Conservation Society Australia’s Chief Executive, Cameron Kerr AO, said: “Nestled under a fig tree, and only metres away from Taronga’s iconic harbour view, King Nyani gives guests an impressive and unforgettable welcome to Taronga Zoo.

 

“We are so grateful to Gillie and Marc for generously allowing Taronga Zoo to be King Nyani’s home here in Sydney.

 

“We hope kids and adults alike will enjoy getting up close to him, and to learning more about his real-life cousins here at Taronga Zoo and in the wild.”

Learn more about Gorillas here - Gorilla Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about Taronga Zoo Sydney on their website – Taronga Zoo Sydney

Gorilla Bronze Statue Taronga Zoo Sydney

Staff from Taronga Zoo Sydney pose with the world's largest gorilla bronze statue

Photo Credit: Taronga Zoo Sydney

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