January 24th of August was a memorable day for primate lovers, wildlife conservationists and New Yorkers. A 1,766-pound gorilla sculpture named King Nyani was unveiled at Hudson Yards. Mission Africa Safaris is proud to have supported the artisan project. The Sculpture is 22.9 feet long, 8.5 feet tall 
with hands that can accommodate 3 people. It is the largest gorilla sculpture in the world and was inspired by a movie scene where King Kong grabs a woman in his hand.
The sculpture was built by Gillie and Marc Schattner, two world-renowned artists and wildlife activists. Gillie and Marc have dedicated their lives to working to save endangered species around the word through their artisan projects. Only 1,000 mountain gorillas still roam the earth. Illegal poaching, deforestation, civil wars and disease remain a threat to these majestic primates. The sculpture is a result of their experience tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable forest of Uganda. Gorilla trekking is the ultimate wildlife experience. “It was beautiful watching the silverback interacting with his family. He was so gentle and loving and clearly cared deeply for his family,” says Marc.
Marc is just one of the thousands with similar remarks after an encounter with gorillas in the wild. Gorillas are fascinating because they are genetically similar to us (98% DNA march). Watching a family of gorillas in the wild is like going back to the time when our ancestors first roamed earth. Though often 
misunderstood and perceived as scary, gorillas are very gentle and peaceful. The silverback leads by charisma and example. It is this gentile and loving side that the two artists want the world to know about.
The Gorilla Sculpture in Hudson Yards’ Bella Abzug Park will not be the first by Gillie and Marc. They have installed several other structures like the Rhino structure in Astor Place. King Nyani is just one of the “Love the Last” artisan projects by Marc and Gillie which bring critically endangered species to major cities around the world. By bringing the gorilla sculptures to New York, the artists hope that people can get emotionally and physically close to them. This connection could make them fall in love with the primates to the point of joining the save the gorilla movement.
The sculpture will definitely bring a new cultural feature to New York city amidst the ongoing pandemic. If you are looking for a place to take the kids or family, then you should visit this new addition to the Hudson Yards. The sculpture is excellent for photography and selfies. The sculpture was built in partnership with Mission Africa Safaris, Tucan Travel, The Thomas collective, World Wide Fund (WWF) and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
