The vibrant streets of London are about to be taken over by an unforgettable stampede – but not of the usual kind. In June 2025, THE HERDS, an incredible public art project featuring life-sized animal puppets, will make its way to the UK capital as part of a global journey to raise awareness about the climate crisis and its devastating effects on wildlife. This one-of-a-kind event combines art and activism, delivering a powerful message about the urgent need for climate action through an artistic display like no other.
What is THE HERDS?
THE HERDS is a traveling public art initiative that features large, life-sized animal puppets made from recycled cardboard and upcycled materials. These stunning puppets represent wildlife species that are facing extinction due to climate change, including elephants, giraffes, lions, and more. The project, launched by the UK-based creative company The Walk Productions (famous for their Little Amal refugee puppet project), began in April 2025 and has already taken African cities by storm.
The initiative aims to raise awareness about the devastating impact of climate change on global biodiversity, while engaging communities through the power of art. Starting in Kinshasa, D.R. Congo, the herd has since paraded through Lagos, Dakar, and several other African cities, with the puppets symbolizing endangered species on a 20,000 km journey from central Africa to the Arctic Circle.
Why This Matters: Climate Change and Conservation
THE HERDS isn’t just about eye-catching art – it carries a powerful message. The animal puppets represent endangered species that are facing the grim reality of climate change. As climate change worsens, wildlife habitats are disappearing, temperatures are rising, and ecosystems are being destroyed. The stampede symbolizes the urgency these animals feel as they are forced to flee their homes due to rising temperatures, droughts, wildfires, and floods.
The project serves as a stark reminder that we are all connected to the natural world, and if we don’t take action, species like the ones depicted in the stampede could be lost forever. As WWF states, climate change and biodiversity loss are inextricably linked, and addressing one is essential to solving the other.
Collaboration with WWF and Global Climate Organizations
THE HERDS is supported by global environmental organizations, including WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature), which is helping to amplify the message of the campaign. Other partners, like UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) and Save the Elephants, are also involved, working together to raise awareness and drive global change. These collaborations are crucial in ensuring the message reaches a global audience, urging world leaders to take action at major climate summits like COP30.
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Public Reception: The Power of Art for Climate Action
THE HERDS has already captured the hearts of thousands in Africa. Cities like Lagos and Dakar saw thousands of spectators join the stampede, creating a sense of community and solidarity around the urgent need for climate action. The spectacle has been covered by major media outlets such as BBC, The Guardian, and Reuters, spreading the message far and wide.
Locals in Africa have embraced the project, with people of all ages engaging with the animals, joining the procession, and participating in workshops. As one participant in Dakar noted, “Our stories are traveling with the animals, spreading awareness across the globe.”
The London Stampede: Key Event Details
London will be the next major stop for THE HERDS as they bring their stampede to the UK. From June 27 to June 29, 2025, the city will host a series of free public events, bringing the urgent message of climate change and wildlife conservation to the heart of the capital.
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Get Involved: How You Can Participate
Londoners and visitors alike are invited to join THE HERDS for these free public events. Whether you’re attending the performances, taking part in the children’s workshops, or simply watching the procession, there’s plenty of opportunity for everyone to get involved.
- Volunteer: Help bring the animals to life by volunteering at the event.
- Join the Stampede: Feel the excitement of seeing the puppets live and show your support for the campaign.
- Share on Social Media: Follow THE HERDS online and share your experiences to spread the word.
For those who can’t attend in person, you can still participate by following THE HERDS on social media, using hashtags to raise awareness and engaging with the campaign’s global reach.
Conclusion
THE HERDS is not just an event – it’s a movement. It uses the power of art to bring attention to the climate crisis and the urgent need to protect the planet’s wildlife. With the stampede now heading to London, this is an opportunity for all of us to engage, learn, and act.
As the world watches these animal puppets race through the streets of London, we are reminded of the critical importance of protecting nature and making sure that future generations can inherit a biodiverse, thriving planet. It’s time to act, before it’s too late.
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