Wild Connections

Permanent Exhibition (Coming Soon)
Coral Springs, Broward County, Florida (Exact Location Coming Soon)

Wild Connections is a joyful new public sculpture by internationally renowned artists Gillie and Marc, created for Coral Springs, Florida. Bringing together a group of beloved local wildlife species — a Florida panther, alligator, marsh rabbit, gopher tortoise, and eagle — the work transforms an everyday park bench into a lively and imaginative scene of friendship, creativity, and shared experience.

At the heart of the sculpture is a powerful celebration of connection. The Florida panther, a rare and endangered animal that symbolises resilience and survival, is shown in a rare moment of ease and companionship. Beside it, the alligator adds a bold and unmistakably Floridian presence, grounding the work in the unique wildlife of the region. Together, these animals step beyond their traditional roles in nature to share a playful and human-like moment, reminding us that joy, community, and belonging can be found in the simplest experiences.

Each animal brings its own personality and meaning to the piece. The eagle, perched thoughtfully with a book, represents wisdom, curiosity, and learning, reflecting the idea that public spaces are places not only for recreation but also for discovery. The gopher tortoise, reimagined as a photographer, becomes an observer and memory-maker, encouraging visitors to slow down, take notice, and appreciate the beauty around them. At the edge of the bench, the marsh rabbit plays the flute, adding a whimsical and artistic spirit to the work — a reminder that nature itself can feel musical, expressive, and alive.

Blending storytelling, humour, and local identity, Wild Connections invites visitors of all ages to sit beside the animals, take photographs, and become part of the scene. As with Gillie and Marc’s most loved public artworks, the sculpture is designed to be interactive and emotionally engaging — not just something to look at, but something to experience. It is a celebration of Florida’s wildlife, the magic of public space, and the small moments of togetherness that make a place truly memorable.