Meet the lion now living in Barangaroo

HSBC Australia has installed a four-metre high ‘living lion’ sculpture in Sydney’s Barangaroo precinct to celebrate the launch of its 40th branch and highlight the bank’s commitment to sustainability.

Constructed with 5,600 plants and hydrated with recycled water from the Barangaroo precinct, the lion was created in collaboration with the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, of which HSBC is the Principal Environment Partner.

“As the foremost botanical science and conservation institution in Australia, we are very proud to support HSBC’s lion activation in Barangaroo. HSBC and the Botanic Garden’s 22 year partnership is underpinned by a shared commitment to protect the natural environment and inspire and educate younger generations about the diversity and importance of plants,” said David Laughlin, Curator Manager, The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

The environmentally-friendly lion also references HSBC’s commitment to tackle climate change and support sustainable growth, including a pledge to provide USD100bn in sustainable finance and investment by 2025.

“Lions have played a unique role in HSBC’s history, with bronze statues guarding many HSBC offices around the world for almost a century. Our living, breathing lion is a tribute to this legacy as well as our commitment to a greener future,”said Jessica Power, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, HSBC Australia.

“We’re particularly delighted to have worked with the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, our partner for over two decades, to create the lion in an ecologically-sustainable way,” she added.

On public display for five weeks, the installation also pays homage to ‘Stephen and Stitt’, the two HSBC bronze lion sculptures that were shipped from England to Shanghai for the opening of a new branch in 1923.

From Monday 17 February to Sunday 8 March, the living lion will be adorned with brightly coloured palms and become an installation for the Colour the Streets festival that returns to Barangaroo to celebrate the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2020.

“Our rainbow lion also represents HSBC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and ongoing support for the LGBTIQ community,” added Ms. Power.

Agency support for the Barangaroo Lion was provided by The Dylan Agency, Studio Kite and Foundation.

Visit the Barangaroo Lion’s Instagram page @barangaroolion or search the hashtag #barangaroolion.