'3D printed' animals illustrate the irreplaceable nature of endangered species

‘3D printed’ animals illustrate the irreplaceable nature of endangered species
all images courtesy of young & rubicam paris 

as part of a campaign for the international fund for animal welfare (IFAW), young & rubicam paris has realized a series of images that depicts the irreplaceable and irreversible aspects of killing wildlife. the advertisements aim to draw a comparison between technologies that can easily build and construct matter, like 3D-printing, and the fragility of animal life — a condition not as easily reparable as a broken household object. the digital compositions illustrate three animals — an elephant, whale and orangutan — with parts of their bodies exposed to view. above their bodies, a 3D-printer seemingly attempts to build new layers of skeletal matter, acting a subtle symbol of the impossibility of this situation. accompanying text reads ‘if only they were this easy to reproduce’, a simple yet powerful message that underscores the idea that the loss of wildlife is an irrevocable act with permanent consequences. 

a 3D-printer attempts to build a new elephant

the insides of a whale are exposed as a 3D printer hovers above 

the images illustrate the irreplaceable and irreversible aspects of killing wildlife species

accompanying text reads ‘if only they were this easy to reproduce’

the advertisements draw a comparison between technology and animal welfare