The Herds: A Global Journey for Climate Awareness

Hundreds of life-sized wooden animal puppets—including wildebeests, zebras, gorillas, giraffes, and baboons—are traveling across 10 countries, from Africa to the Arctic Circle, to highlight the climate crisis.

This ambitious public art project, called The Herds, is the second major initiative from The Walk Productions, the team behind Little Amal—the 3.5-meter animatronic puppet of a Syrian refugee girl who journeyed from the Turkish-Syrian border to the UK, raising awareness for displaced children. That project raised over $1 million and was welcomed by global figures, including the late Pope Francis.

The Herds will cover 12,400 miles over four months, visiting 20 cities as they “flee climate disaster.” Starting in the Congo Basin, the puppets will travel through Nigeria, Senegal, Morocco, France, the UK, and Norway, ending in the Arctic Circle in August. Their mission is to spotlight environmental destruction, habitat loss, and climate-driven migration.

The first puppets were crafted by Cape Town’s Ukwanda Puppetry and Designs Art Collective using recycled materials, with help from UK students. Local volunteers are also being trained to create their own puppets. As the herds move, more species native to each region will join, growing to 150 by the time they reach Norway.

Each stop will feature performances and events with local artists and activists addressing regional climate issues. In Madrid, dancers will respond to flooding; in Arles, an aerial performance will take place; and in Paris, a video projection artist will create a nighttime spectacle. Copenhagen will host an overnight camp with the animals.

Amir Nizar Zuabi, the project’s co-founder, described The Herds as a powerful artistic statement that reframes the climate crisis. Climate activist Tori Tsui added that it helps people connect emotionally with the planet and its endangered species.

The journey began this month in Kinshasa’s Botanical Gardens, with stops already in Lagos and Dakar. By starting in the Global South, the project centers communities hardest hit by climate change.

Volunteers in upcoming cities are invited to join as puppeteers—no experience required, just a passion for movement and performance.

(Photos: Getty Images, Ant Strack, David Levene, Berclaire for The Walk Productions, Kashope Faje/88 Life Studios)