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Mountain Gorilla Sculpture in New York Hudson Yards
Gorilla Sculpture in New York – On August 24th, a significant event unfolded in New York City, captivating primate enthusiasts, wildlife conservationists, and residents alike: the unveiling of King Nyani, a monumental gorilla sculpture at Hudson Yards. Created by Gillie and Marc Schattner, renowned artists and wildlife activists, this 1,766-pound sculpture stands 8.5 feet tall and stretches 22.9 feet long, making it the largest gorilla sculpture globally. Inspired by a scene from the movie “King Kong,” where the iconic gorilla cradles a woman in its hand, King Nyani’s hands can accommodate up to three people.
Who Were Behind This?
Mission Africa proudly supported this artisan project, which aims not only to celebrate gorillas but also to raise awareness about their conservation. With only about 1,000 mountain gorillas remaining in the wild due to threats like illegal poaching, deforestation, and disease, the sculpture symbolizes the urgent need to protect these majestic primates.
Gillie and Marc drew inspiration from their experiences tracking mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where they witnessed the gentle nature and familial bonds of these creatures firsthand. “It was beautiful watching the silverback interacting with his family,” Marc reflected. “He was so gentle and loving, demonstrating a deep care for his family.”
Despite their powerful presence and genetic similarity to humans (98% DNA match), gorillas are peaceful beings, led by the silverback’s charisma and example. Gillie and Marc hope that King Nyani will convey this gentle side to the world, challenging misconceptions and fostering appreciation for these remarkable animals and their natural habitats.
Gillie and Marc’s latest installation, the Gorilla Sculpture in Hudson Yards’ Bella Abzug Park, joins their previous creations such as the Rhino structure in Astor Place. Part of their “Love the Last” artisan projects, these sculptures bring awareness to critically endangered species in major cities worldwide. By introducing gorilla sculptures to New York, the artists aim to foster a deep emotional and physical connection with these primates, inspiring support for gorilla conservation efforts.
The sculpture promises to enrich New York City’s cultural landscape, offering a poignant attraction amidst the ongoing pandemic. Ideal for family outings or photography enthusiasts, it provides a captivating backdrop for memorable moments and selfies. Created in collaboration with Mission Africa, Tucan Travel, The Thomas Collective, World Wide Fund (WWF), and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, this initiative highlights global partnerships dedicated to wildlife conservation and education.
We applause Mission Africa for supporting this good and iconic work.
Gorilla Tracking in Uganda, Rwanda
Gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda offers a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife adventure, providing intimate encounters with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats.
Uganda:
In Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the primary destinations for gorilla tracking. Bwindi is renowned for its dense rainforests and diverse wildlife, hosting about half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. Treks through Bwindi’s rugged terrain can vary in duration and difficulty, but the experience of observing these gentle giants up close is unparalleled. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, part of the Virunga Massif shared with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, offers another opportunity to track mountain gorillas in a unique volcanic landscape.
Rwanda:
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is world-famous for gorilla tracking, located in the Virunga Mountains. This park offers a more accessible terrain compared to Bwindi, making it suitable for a range of fitness levels. The experience in Rwanda provides stunning views of the volcanic peaks and the opportunity to witness gorilla families in their natural forest habitat.
Both countries require permits for gorilla tracking, which should be obtained in advance due to limited availability. These permits contribute to conservation efforts aimed at protecting gorillas and their habitats, ensuring sustainable tourism practices for future generations to continue enjoying these remarkable wildlife encounters.
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