The Herds: Life-sized Puppets Embark on a 20,000km Climate Journey

A Journey Across Continents to Raise Awareness of Climate Change
In April, a group of life-sized animal puppets made their way from Kinshasa, deep in the Congo rainforest, on an ambitious journey that would span two continents and cover a distance of 20,000 kilometers. These towering creations included elephants, giraffes, antelopes, and lions, each designed to capture the imagination and evoke strong emotions.
The journey was not just a physical movement but a symbolic one, mirroring the displacement of animals and people due to the growing effects of climate change. The goal was to bring the climate crisis into public spaces in a way that resonated emotionally rather than relying on abstract data or statistics.
As the troupe traveled north through Africa and into Europe, they adopted new members—animals native to the countries they passed through. Each of these creatures was crafted from recycled materials such as cardboard and plywood, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Throughout the journey, 1,000 individuals were trained as puppeteers, bringing the creatures to life during 56 public events across 11 countries. This collaboration between artists, communities, and environmental advocates helped spread awareness and foster a deeper connection with the issues at hand.
The Final Leg of the Journey
The Herds has now reached the end of its long migration. They climbed Norway’s Jostedalsbreen glacier, the largest in mainland Europe, before continuing their journey to Nordkapp in the Arctic Circle. There, they greeted the sunrise on 1 August, marking the culmination of their epic adventure.
This project was created by The Walk Productions, the same team behind "Little Amal," a 12-foot-tall puppet of a refugee girl who traveled through 15 countries in 2021 to raise awareness about the global refugee crisis.
When The Herds was first announced, producer David Lan spoke about the ambition to address climate change through emotion rather than data. “Through theatre, we can engage with the major issues of the day,” he told Euronews Culture. “We’re looking particularly for a way in which this very central event in our lives, climate change, can be expressed not in scientific terms. What we think we might be able to do is allow people to engage emotionally with what is already happening all over.”
Emotional Engagement Over Data
Artistic director Amir Nizar Zuabi, who also worked on The Walk, emphasized the project's power in its attempt rather than its guaranteed impact. “I don’t know if what we add to the conversation will change the world,” he shared. “Most probably it won’t. Doesn’t matter. It’s worth trying. But the idea is to create a project that deals with climate change from an emotional stance, from a sensory experience and not from, ‘This is the science’.”
The Herds aimed to connect people with the reality of climate change through storytelling, art, and community involvement. By using puppets and public performances, the project sought to make the climate crisis more relatable and tangible for audiences around the world.
The Impact of Art and Storytelling
This journey highlights the unique role that art and storytelling can play in addressing global challenges. While data and statistics are essential for understanding the scale of the problem, emotional engagement can inspire action and foster a sense of urgency.
The Herds' journey serves as a reminder that even small actions, when multiplied across communities, can lead to meaningful change. The use of recycled materials and the involvement of local puppeteers not only reduced the environmental footprint of the project but also empowered individuals to become part of the solution.
As the Herds completed their journey, they left behind a legacy of awareness, creativity, and hope. Their story continues to inspire conversations about the future of our planet and the importance of taking action to protect it.
By blending art, education, and activism, The Herds have demonstrated the power of creative expression in driving social and environmental change. Their journey may have ended, but the message they carried will continue to resonate far beyond the final destination.
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