BROOKLYN, NY.- Artists Gillie and Marc today unveiled the iconic The Last Three – a 17-foot-tall, bronze sculpture depicting the last three Northern White Rhinos Najin, Fatu & Sudan – at Forest City New York’s MetroTech Center in downtown Brooklyn. The sculpture aims to inspire, educate and mobilize the global community to raise their voices and affect real change against rhino horn sales.

“We hope visitors to the sculpture will engage with our representation of this gentle species and connect with the deeper message which is one of inspiration and change,” said artist Gillie Schattner.

“Forest City is honored to showcase The Last Three at MetroTech Center,” said John Bowen, Senior Vice President, Director Property Management, Forest City New York. “Our partnership with Gillie and Marc reinforces our commitment to the arts and culture, providing a public space for Brooklynites to gather and learn together, and we hope everyone takes advantage to come view the sculpture and enjoy its beauty and playfulness, while also learning about this important cause.”

“Living in urban environments, it is easy to ignore that rhinos are being slaughtered for their horns, which are then passed through to the illegal rhino horn trade and sold as medicine in countries such as Vietnam. Powdered rhino horn has no medical benefits but is the reason the Northern White Rhino is now a functionally extinct species,” said artist Marc Schattner.

In March 2018, the world watched as the last male Northern White Rhino, Sudan (45), closed his eyes for the last time, making the last three the last two. For now, the last three Northern White Rhinos, stand together only in sculpture form, yet their message is not one of sadness but of hope. Originally created to spread awareness for the plight of this magnificent animal, The Last Three now pays tribute to the legacy of these amazing creatures and provides hope to endangered species all over the world.

The mission started one year ago, when Gillie and Marc travelled to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya to visit the Northern White Rhinos. It was an experience that shook them to the core, and the artists returned home vowing to dedicate the rest of their lives to protecting rhinos from extinction in the best way they know how – their art!

By studying these animals close up, they were able to recreate The Last Three not only down to the physical details but with a deeper understanding to the profound feeling one experiences while in the presence of these inspirational creatures. The Last Three is a physical representation of the cause, that will inspire generations and celebrate those who create positive changes in wildlife conservation.

Brooklynites are encouraged to get up close and interact with The Last Three, feel the bronze, take a selfie and hold the rhinos in their arms. Gillie and Marc believe that art has the power to make humans connect with endangered animals, which is the first step to loving them and caring about their wellbeing.

The last two Northern White Rhinos, Najin and Fatu, are under the highest quality care in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya where they are protected with 24/7 security.

Gillie and Marc, referred to by the media as “the world’s most loving artists,” are extraordinary public artists who have worked side-by-side for over 25-years to create art as one. Their monumental bronze sculptures spread the message of love and conservation in major galleries and cities around the world, including New York, London, Singapore, Shanghai, Sydney and more!

In 2016, the eco-warriors created the largest rhino sculpture on earth for Sculptures by the Sea, winning Australia’s coveted Allen’s People’s Choice and Kid’s Choice Awards. This year, Gillie and Marc are setting out to beat their own record in the heart of Brooklyn to continue spreading awareness about conservation through their art.

The artists are best known for their beloved hybrid characters – Rabbitwoman and Dogman – who tell the autobiographical tale of two opposites coming together to become best friends and soulmates. Their art has raised hundreds of thousands in donations for the many wildlife charities and causes they support.