'Wild About Babies' comes to South Perth

A group of giant animals have made their way to South Perth just in time for the school holidays.

Designed by internationally acclaimed artists Gillie and Marc, ‘Wild About Babies’ showcases 21 striking bronze sculptures representing threatened wildlife from around the globe. 

Most of the eye-catching sculptures can be seen at Perth Zoo with others on display at Windsor Park in South Perth, and across the river at Elizabeth Quay and Yagan Square.

Previously showcased at the WA Museum and Perth Cultural Centre, the artists have generously donated these extraordinary sculptures to Perth Zoo.

While 14 of the sculptures are found at Perth Zoo, the community will be delighted to spot a further five in the City of South Perth's Windsor Park, one at Elizabeth Quay, and another at Yagan Square. 

This collaboration with the surrounding community enhances the exhibition’s impact and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting our precious wildlife.

The ‘Wild About Babies’ exhibition showcases an array of endangered baby animals, including the orangutan, giraffe, white rhino and many other favourites.

These magnificent creatures are symbolically protected by their universal mother, the great eastern lowland gorilla, emphasising the urgent need for conservation efforts.

They serve as a powerful complement to Perth Zoo’s live animal population, raising awareness about the threats faced by wildlife and highlighting the ongoing conservation efforts to prevent their extinction. 

‘Wild About Babies’ acts as a beautiful and thought-provoking medium through which people can gain a deeper understanding of the critical importance of conservation, research, and support required to safeguard endangered species worldwide. 

City of South Perth Mayor, Greg Milner welcomed the sculptures to the City and encouraged locals and visitors to ‘meet’ the artworks face-to-face.

“The larger-than-life bronze sculptures are a welcome addition to our City. What I love most about them is the way they raise awareness about threatened wildlife and bring even more joy and excitement to Perth Zoo and Windsor Park. I have a feeling that people of all ages will enjoy them in equal measure.

Mayor Milner said public art could be thought-provoking, stimulating and bring people together.

“Art and public art has an important role in place activation; creating community pride; strengthening connections between people; providing landmarks; and enhancing access and understanding of the natural environment, local history and heritage. ‘Wild About Babies’ does all of those things.”

The City’s own art collection contains an assortment of public artworks, in addition to paintings, sculptures and historical artworks that are displayed throughout the City’s civic buildings. The May and Herbert Gibbs collection, which makes up a part of the City’s art collection, is stored at Heritage House and exhibited periodically.

To discover more about ‘Wild About Babies’ visit Perth Zoo.

Wild About Babies is a joint project between Perth Zoo, WA Museum and Gillie and Marc, with support from City of South Perth, Yagan Square, Elizabeth Quay, DevelopmentWA and APM.

The Wild About Babies exhibition was donated to Perth Zoo through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program by Gillie and Marc Schattner.