Giant Puppet Animals Complete Symbolic Climate Journey from Congo to Arctic

Edited By : Fatomatou konè

A unique climate awareness initiative concluded this week as The Herds a collection of life-sized puppet animals completed their 20,000-kilometre journey from Kinshasa in the Congo rainforest to the Arctic Circle. Constructed from recycled metal and cardboard, these puppets were brought to life by over 1,000 trained puppeteers who joined the project at various points along the route. The symbolic migration depicted a global exodus from the escalating impacts of climate change, with the group growing as local animals joined in across 11 countries and 56 public events.

The final leg of the journey involved the puppets traversing Norway’s Jostedalsbreen Glacier, the largest glacier on mainland Europe, before reaching Nordkapp in the Arctic Circle just in time for sunrise on August 1. This climactic moment underscored the project’s message about the pressing need for climate action in some of the most vulnerable regions of the world.

Organized by The Walk, the creative team behind the acclaimed Little Amal project, The Herds used the medium of art and performance to engage diverse communities throughout Africa and Europe. The initiative highlighted environmental concerns while fostering a collective call for climate justice, demonstrating how cultural expression can mobilize public awareness and dialogue on global ecological challenges.