- 'Wild About Babies' exhibit features 21 bronze sculptures of endangered animals
- Free exhibition launching on 19 May for International Endangered Species Day
- Display at Perth Cultural Centre until 3 September 2023 before moving to Perth Zoo
One of the world's largest public art projects has arrived in Western Australia to raise awareness about endangered animals.
'Wild About Babies' is designed by artists Gillie and Marc and features 21 bronze sculptures of endangered species from across the globe. The free exhibition is launching on International Endangered Species Day.
A mother gorilla and 20 life-size baby animal sculptures will be on display in the outdoor precincts of the WA Museum Boola Bardip and Perth Cultural Centre from today until 3 September 2023, before moving to their permanent home at Perth Zoo.
The babies include a Bengal tiger, orangutan, giraffe, African elephant, white rhino, polar bear, leopard, giant panda, hippo, cheetah, Grevy's zebra, chimpanzee, rock wallaby, arctic fox, lion, Indian elephant, Javan rhino, giant tortoise and Marsican brown bear. All are protected by their universal mother, the great eastern lowland gorilla.
The sculptures are made with exquisite detail. The collection allows visitors to understand the importance of the conservation, research and support needed to protect endangered species across the globe.
'Wild About Babies' is a joint project between the WA Museum, Arts and Culture Trust and Perth Zoo. It is proudly sponsored by APM and supported by WWF-Australia. APM has been instrumental in bringing the collection to the WA Museum and Perth Zoo to help raise awareness of endangered animals.
Night-time visitors to the city can immerse themselves in the dynamic sights, sounds and colours of the 'Wild About Babies' inspired projections at the Old Gaol within the WA Museum Boola Bardip. This complimentary digital exhibition, supported by the Minderoo Foundation, forms part of the ongoing digital projection series and can be enjoyed each evening from sunset.
As stated by Environment Minister Reece Whitby:
"I'm delighted to see the 'Wild About Babies' exhibit here at the WA Museum Boola Bardip to raise awareness about endangered animals and it's fantastic Perth Zoo will become its long-term home.
"These incredible sculptures are truly a sight to behold. It seems only fitting we launch this spectacular art installation on International Endangered Species Day.
"Perth Zoo supports a multitude of programs across the globe to protect animals and their habitats including Africa, South-East Asia and right around Australia. These statues will help engage the community to better understand the Zoo's mission of saving wildlife."
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"It's fantastic to see one of the world's largest public art projects being showcased in Perth. The 'Wild About Babies' exhibit will encourage learning and a greater understanding about conservation.
"I'm thrilled the free outdoor exhibition is here at the WA Museum Boola Bardip and Perth Cultural Centre. The plight of these endangered animals is an incredibly important story to share and I encourage everyone to visit the display.
"Not only is the WA Museum a cultural hub, it's also a leading scientific institution, making significant contributions to biodiversity, geodiversity and environmental management across Australia and beyond."
