ABOUT THE ANIMAL
Hippos are wonderfully bizarre creatures with barrel-like bodies, little stubby legs, and massive mouths that can produce the most impressive yawns. Spending most of their time in the water they are also surprisingly quick on their feet, running at speeds similar to a human. But the strangest hippo fact brought about the myth that they sweat blood. The truth isn’t nearly as terrifying, they secrete an oily red substance that works as a sunblock and germ repellent!
Hippo numbers are rapidly decreasing because of humans. Hundreds are shot every year from human-wildlife conflict. More are shot for their meat and ivory. In 2002, it was found that 5.5 tons of their teeth were exported from Uganda, equating to approximately 2000 hippos! Those in the ivory trade are very interested in hippo teeth since they are excluded from many of the ivory bans, giving poachers a loophole and a very good substitute to elephant tusks. In 2005, it was found that hippo numbers in the DRC had declined by 95%, associated with the Second Congo War and the poachers that sprung out of that.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Gillie and Marc are excited to share the mock-up of the potential sculpture to represent Kuchek and his friends. This project is currently in the development stage and Gillie and Marc are seeking a partner location to host the sculpture.
HOW TO HELP
The sculpture is aligned with the hashtag #LoveTheLast. Visitors will be asked to take a photo with the artwork and share it with the hashtag, jump-starting efforts to spread critical awareness. To help protect the hippos you can give a donation to any of the many amazing foundations such as the WWF: https://www.worldwildlife.org/