Larger-than-life sculptures made from plastic pollution on display at Calgary Zoo

A new exhibit at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, 'Washed Ashore', is bringing the issue of ocean pollution to life.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has unveiled a new art exhibit that brings the issue of ocean pollution to life.

Called Washed Ashore, the exhibit features 15 large-scale sculptures made entirely from debris collected from the shores of the Pacific Ocean.

“At first glance, visitors may be drawn in by the vibrant colours and whimsical forms — giant jellyfish, curious penguins, and even a towering polar bear,” said Dr. Kyle Burks, president and CEO of the Calgary Zoo. “But a closer look reveals a deeper story.”

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Burks says every sculpture is constructed from discarded items like bottle caps, flip-flops, plastic toys and toothbrushes.

“These once-forgotten objects now speak volumes about the growing crisis of marine pollution, and the small choices we can all make to turn the tide.

“It’s eye-opening, it’s beautiful and it’s a powerful reminder that individual actions can add up to real change.”

The elaborate sculptures are located all throughout the zoo’s outdoor spaces.

They are part of a non-profit project from the Artula Institute for Arts and Education based in Brandon, Ore.

Every year, the group works to clean more than 480 kilometres of Pacific Northwest beaches.

In 15 years, the Washed Ashore project has repurposed more than 60,000 pounds of marine debris into more than 85 sculptures.

“We are thrilled to return to Canada for our first appearance at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo,” said Brad Parks from Washed Ashore.

“As we celebrate our 15th anniversary this summer at the zoo, we invite everyone to marvel at our art to save the sea and discover one thing to reduce single-use plastic use in their lives.”

The Washed Ashore exhibit will be on display all summer long before wrapping up on Sept. 14.

For more information, you can visit the Calgary Zoo’s website.