A buck and doe leap through time in Peter Sawatzky’s lifelike bronze tribute to Manitoba’s natural beauty.
Wildlife Art in the Heart of Winnipeg: The Bronze Deer at The Forks
At the historic meeting place of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, a moment of natural grace is frozen in time. The life-size bronze sculpture “Whitetail Buck and Doe” stands as a quiet but powerful tribute to Manitoba’s wilderness, right in the center of its busiest urban hub. We often pass by this beautiful sculpture when walking through the park, and captured a photo of it this past month.
Created by celebrated Manitoba artist Peter Sawatzky, the installation captures two deer mid-stride. Sawatzky, a master of realism, is known for his ability to translate the fluid motion of animals into heavy, permanent bronze. The buck leads with powerful antlers and an alert gaze, while the doe follows closely, her form conveying the delicate speed characteristic of the species.
The placement of the sculpture at The Forks is highly intentional. For thousands of years, this land has served as a crossroads for people and wildlife alike. By placing these wild figures within the park’s landscaped grounds, the piece reminds visitors of the deep connection between the modern city and the raw natural history that preceded it.
Whether seen against a backdrop of summer greenery or emerging from a blanket of prairie snow, the installation remains a favorite for locals and tourists. It serves as both a beautiful photo opportunity and a reminder to appreciate the quiet, natural residents of the province.
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