The Last Three Northern White Rhinos to be “Digitally Resurrected” in New York Using Augmented Reality
Published: October 22, 2017
There are only three Northern White Rhinos left in the entire world. Sudan, the last male on earth lives at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, with his daughter Najin and granddaughter Fatu. Breeding attempts have been unsuccessful, which makes them the last three living Northern White Rhinoceroses.
The world's biggest rhino sculpture to be installed in New York City
Sudan, Najin and Fatu – the last three Northern White Rhinos
Australian artists Gillie and Marc have passionately dedicated their lives to stopping the misled demand for rhino horns. With their latest initiative called The Last Three, they want to give the world a chance to say goodbye, and raise critical awareness about rhino conservation, through an art installation unlike anyone has ever seen before – the world’s biggest rhino sculpture will first be unveiled in the heart of New York City on March 15, 2018.
Australian artists Gillie and Marc working on the sculpture
The sculpture is expected to capture the attention of millions from across the globe. To help deliver this incredibly important message, INDE is developing a standalone mobile Augmented Reality application for iOS devices, with a dedicated channel that will bring to life the last three Northern White Rhinos in photo-real 3D.
Testing the AR app – One of the last three Northern White Rhinos in the heart of Budapest
The AR application will aim to provide a unique and powerful narrative to the magnificent sculpture made by Gillie and Marc, by placing Najin, Fatu and Sudan right in front of users in real time, and allowing them to interact and take pictures with the rhinos. People will also be able to donate to the Conservancy through the app, to help keep the rhinos safe.
The AR app will allow people to interact with the rhinos at Astor Place once the sculpture is unveiled on March 15, 2018
INDE’s CEO, Alex Poulson said: “We’re honoured and excited to be part of The Last Three initiative. INDE’s unique form of “digital resurrection” using our MobileAR platform has long been used in the conservation of animals through schools, museums, zoos and more. To help play a part in the fate of the last three Northern White Rhinos is such a great opportunity to carry this forward.
Our development will, alongside the great work of Gillie and Marc, help raise awareness and educate people about the alarming issue of this species permanently disappearing from earth. Our aim is to magnify the awareness as far as we possibly can by allowing people across New York and beyond to experience them first hand using augmented reality."
The app will use GPS recognition, therefore the experience will be viewable at Astor Place live from the unveiling of the sculpture. The AR installation will remain live as long as the artwork is in its first home in New York. The application will be available for download from the Apple App Store.