Return of the Wild

As McKee celebrates the 25th anniversary of its reopening, we honor not only the preservation of a historic cultural landscape, but the Garden’s enduring role as a beacon of conservation and education. In October McKee will present a collection of sculptures by internationally renowned artists Gillie & Marc, widely recognized as the world’s most prolific creators of public art. Devoted to raising awareness for the planet’s most endangered animals, their work brings a hopeful message into the landscape. Baby giraffe, cheetah, elephant, hippo, bear, zebra, arctic fox, and giant tortoise sculptures will find a home along the Garden’s winding paths, set among century-old state champion trees, rare waterlilies, and award-winning living collections. In a thoughtful echo of McKee’s own story of rescue and renewal, these works remind us that just as this garden was saved, so too can these remarkable species be protected. The resonance is powerful: saving a garden and saving a species both require vision, courage, commitment, and the belief that beauty and life are worth preserving.