IRF Donates Javan Rhino Sculpture to Indonesian Ministry of Forestry 

Javan rhino sculpture

IRF Executive Director Nina Fascione traveled to Indonesia for the unveiling of a Javan rhino sculpture installed at the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry (MOF) offices in Jakarta on World Rhino Day.

IRF donated the magnificent, life-like sculpture as a tribute to the tireless conservation efforts of the Ministry of Forestry and to help focus attention on Javan rhinos. It was created by world-renowned artists Gillie and Marc and donated to IRF by donor Jessica Capps. 

The crowded event was attended by government and military officials, leaders from businesses and nonprofits and artists and influencers. It was evident that rhinos are very important to Indonesians. 

“It was incredibly meaningful for me to spend World Rhino Day in Indonesia, home to the Javan and Sumatran rhinos we work every day to help protect,” Fascione said. “I am deeply grateful to the Government of Indonesia and the Minister of Forestry for the wonderful event to celebrate rhinos.”

IRF is also thankful for the 30-year partnership we have sustained with other Indonesian partners like Yayasan Badak Indonesia (YABI). Those relationships enabled us to create the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary, which has already produced five Sumatran rhino calves who are all safe and healthy. 

IRF would like to thank the donor of the Javan rhino sculpture, Jessica Capps, for her generosity. Here is what Jess said about the sculpture. It was created by artists Gillie and Marc, whose beautiful wildlife sculptures are in public spaces across the globe: 

“In 2024, I began searching for an appropriate place to donate this precious Javan rhino sculpture where she could continue to serve as a public symbol for the surviving rhinos who need our collective protection to save them from extinction. 

I am grateful to the Gillie and Marc art team, particularly to Jessie Schattner, for connecting me with Nina Fascione of the International Rhino Foundation. 

It is because of the efforts by the Indonesians involved in animal protection and advocacy, as well as law enforcement, that I am proud to donate this sculpture to the International Rhino Foundation for their contribution to their partner, the Government of Indonesia, on World Rhino Day 2025! 

My sincere hope is that all human and animal life within Indonesia will be protected and supported by this government, now and in the future. This life-size bronze sculpture can last for generations, and I hope the Javan rhino species will repopulate and thrive for many years to come.”