By Lani Gering

Things like this are what made living at National Harbor such a treat. The artwork that is scattered throughout the property from the time you pass The Beckoning sculpture as you enter the Gaylord resort side – an impressive start – with the sculpture of the bison family on the fringe of Spirit Park rounding out the many other amazing pieces along American Way and The Awakening at the foot of the Plaza.

Enter the Wildlife Wonder Boat interactive bronze sculpture on World Art Day, April 15^th.  Good to know that the15th is more than just the dreaded tax day deadline.

Designed to raise awareness for endangered species, National Harbor partnered with Australian based artists Gillie and Marc to bring their interactive bronze, Wildlife Wonder Boat, to the Harbor. Standing 10-feet high by 36-feet long and 14-feet wide, the sculpture is located on waterfront near the Spirit Park Carousel (137 National Plaza, National Harbor.)

This monumental sculpture featuring Rabbitwoman, Dogman and a collection of endangered and exotic animals was designed to be interactive while promoting wildlife conservation. It is a captivating ensemble of 24 bronze animal figures and highlights species including an emperor penguin, rhino, chimp, kangaroo, mountain gorilla, Galapagos turtle, Bengal tiger, addax, brown bear, giraffe, hippo, arctic fox, zebra, amur leopard, lion, elephant, panda, orangutan, giant octopus, wombat, spider monkey, pangolin and cheetah creating environmental awareness and encouraging taking a stand against extinction. Rabbitwoman and Dogman who symbolize hope, love and guardianship, proudly display the plaque accompanying the sculpture.

For 30 years, Gillie and Marc have worked side-by-side on their art. They share a deep spiritual bond with wildlife despite their different backgrounds. While Gillie is from England and Catholic; Marc is from Australia and Jewish, they have each spent time in Africa interacting with wildlife. At one point, Marc worked with Dr. Jane Goodall.

With sculptures and exhibitions in more than 250 cities worldwide, Gillie and Marc have transformed city streets, airports, bridges and cultural landmarks into places of connection, compassion and conservation. The New York Times has described them as “the most successful and prolific creators of public art in New York’s history.” Through their work, they have mobilized petitions, inspired donations and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for wildlife charities across Africa and Asia.

“Wildlife Wonder Boat is our modern-day Noah’s Ark—a powerful symbol of hope, unity, and the urgent need for conservation,” said Gillie and Marc. “It celebrates love, connection, and our shared responsibility to protect the extraordinary animals we are in danger of losing forever. We wanted to create a work that brings people together in a joyful, uplifting way, while also inspiring reflection on the beauty of wildlife and the role we all play in safeguarding its future. We were deeply honored to bring this sculpture to National Harbor and share its message with the community on World Art Day.”

“We are honored to host this incredible sculpture for the year,” said Deborah Topcik, senior director of marketing at National Harbor. “Over the years, we have curated an art collection for people to engage with and learn from, and Wildlife Wonder Boat is a perfect addition to our National Harbor Art Walk.”

To celebrate the arrival and support wildlife conservation, National Harbor donated $2 from every Spirit Park Carousel ticket sold April 15–19 to the artists’ charity, Love the Last Wildlife Fund. The nonprofit raises money, awareness, and support for some of the world’s most endangered species, while funding critical on-the-ground conservation projects. Money has been used for breeding programs and habitat protection to help endangered species not only survive but flourish. Additionally, The Capital Wheel is offering a $24 kids’ package through the end of the year that includes a wheel and carousel ticket, Dippin’ Dots and a $2 donation to the fund. This is an excellent opportunity for you to treat your little ones to an incredible afternoon in the Harbor.

I encourage you all to check it out the next time you visit National Harbor. Take a real close look at each animal as you walk around it. It is almost like they are looking back at you. I am very impressed.