Washed Ashore
Sea Art with Impact
A new art exhibit is making waves at the zoo! Dive into a creative conservation journey through the park, where you will find 15 stunning, larger-than-life pieces from Washed Ashore depicting marine wildlife made entirely of debris collected from Pacific Ocean beaches.
- When: May 31st to September 14th, 2025
- Where: Sculptures will be temporarily installed throughout the zoo in both indoor and outdoor locations—from the Dorothy Harvie Gardens to the ENMAX Conservatory and more!
- Time: Sculptures will be viewable during regular operating hours
Don’t delay—Washed Ashore isn’t here for long! This travelling exhibit will only be showcased at the zoo until September. This experience is included with your daily admission and memberships. Get your tickets here.
Where Will the Sculptures Be?
Washed Ashore Map
Explore with ease! Our Washed Ashore map showcases the locations of all 15 stunning sculptures throughout the zoo, making your visit even more enjoyable.
Map with location of sculptures coming soon!
Zoo-nique family experience
Only at the zoo
2025 marks 15 years of Washed Ashore! In that time, they have processed over 60,000 pounds of human-caused marine debris to create more than 85 sculptures, cleaning over 300 miles of American Pacific Northwest beaches in the process. As the only zoo (or aquarium) in North America hosting Washed Ashore this year, we’re thrilled to be part of their milestone celebration!
Ride the wave
Small changes, BIG impacts
Throughout your journey, take time to explore each piece to see what was used to create it. These powerful pieces remind us of the effects that human-caused marine debris can have on wildlife and wild places. We all have a role to play in reducing our impact—small day-to-day changes can create BIG waves of change!
How you can help
What can you do to reduce marine waste?
- Leave no trace: The next time you visit a body of water, leave only footprints behind! You can even go the extra mile by picking up any debris you may find to help protect the area’s ecosystems.
- Make conscious buying decisions: When you buy a plastic product or container, consider how long you will use it for and if it can be recycled. You can often find creative ways to reuse or repurpose these non-decomposable items to avoid adding them to the waste stream.
- Reduce what you use: We can help keep plastic out of our waterways by reducing demand for the plastic we produce on land. Prioritize using reusable instead of single-use items like water bottles and shopping bags.
Contributing Sponsor
Frequently Asked Questions
You have questions. We have answers.
Do I need to pay to see the sculptures?
No! Access to view the Washed Ashore sculptures is included with general admission and memberships.
Are the Washed Ashore sculptures viewable during inclement weather?
The indoor and outdoor sculptures are viewable rain or shine! However, there may be times when the outdoor sculptures need to be covered for their protection (e.g. during a hailstorm).
Will Washed Ashore return next year?
No, this one-of-a-kind experience will only be available this summer. It will not be returning next year.
What is Washed Ashore?
Washed Ashore is a non-profit organization committed to combating marine pollution through art and education. Their mission is to build and exhibit aesthetically powerful art to educate a global audience about plastic pollution in the ocean and waterways and to spark positive changes in consumer habits. In 15 years, Washed Ashore has processed over 35 tons of plastic pollution from the Pacific Ocean beaches in the American Northwest to create over 85 works of art that are awakening the hearts and minds of viewers to the global marine debris crisis.
Why is Washed Ashore featured at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo?
Washed Ashore shares our passion to drive impact by acting to solve problems while cultivating hope for a better future for people and wildlife. By transforming waste into art, this exhibit both embodies the crisis of plastics in our oceans and waterways and inspires action to reduce it by creating fun and relevant educational moments.
What are the sculptures made of?
Debris, largely plastics, collected from ocean beaches. This includes:
- Shoes
- Tires
- Toys
- Bottles
- Fake flowers
- Shovels
- Buoys
- Nets
- Paddles
- Umbrellas
- Plastic chairs
- Dog leashes
- Coolers
- Sunglasses
- Fishing poles
- Toilet seats
How many sculptures are there?
15. See the Washed Ashore Map for details.
Where are the sculptures located?
These incredible art pieces can be found throughout the zoo in both indoor and outdoor locations. See the Washed Ashore Map for details.
Are the sculptures permanent?
No, Washed Ashore is a travelling exhibit that will be showcased at the zoo from May 31 to approximately mid-September 2025.
Can I touch the sculptures?
Yes! These incredible creations are meant to be explored, so you’re welcome to gently touch the materials. However, please don’t climb on the sculptures or interact with them in ways that could cause damage or affect others’ ability to enjoy the exhibit.