Art With Impact: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo Hosts Washed Ashore

30 MAY 2025 (Calgary, AB) – What happens when creativity meets conservation? Starting tomorrow, visitors to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo will find out.   

The zoo is proud to unveil Washed Ashore, a powerful art exhibit that brings the issue of ocean pollution to life through 15 larger-than-life sculptures —each made entirely from marine debris collected from the shores of the Pacific Ocean.   

From May 31 through September 14, 2025, these striking sculptures will be featured throughout the zoo’s indoor and outdoor spaces, transforming everyday pathways into an unforgettable journey through art and environmental awareness.  

Washed Ashore invites visitors of all ages to explore the beauty and fragility of marine wildlife in a truly unique way. The exhibit transforms marine debris into intricate sculptures that tell a critical story about ocean pollution and the power of conscious consumer actions.  

“At first glance, visitors may be drawn in by the vibrant colours and whimsical forms—giant jellyfish, curious penguins, and even a towering polar bear,” said Dr. Kyle Burks, President & CEO of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. “But a closer look reveals a deeper story. Every sculpture is constructed from discarded items: bottle caps, flip-flops, plastic toys, toothbrushes, and more. These once-forgotten objects now speak volumes about the growing crisis of marine pollution—and the small choices we can all make to turn the tide.”  

2025 marks the 15th anniversary of Washed Ashore, a non-profit project that has cleaned over 300 miles of Pacific Northwest beaches and repurposed more than 60,000 pounds of marine debris into more than 85 sculptures. The Artula Institute for Arts and Education is the foundational non-profit organization that enabled and continues to support the Washed Ashore project—uniting art and education to drive environmental impact.    

“We are thrilled to return to Canada for our first appearance at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo,” Brad Parks, Conservation Education Director, Washed Ashore, shared. “This wonderful conservation center is far from the ocean, but as it sits on the banks of the Bow River, it helps everyone see how we are connected to the sea. Rivers, inland waterways, and the coast are bigger sources of plastic pollution, contributing 80% of the marine debris found in the ocean. As we celebrate our 15th anniversary this summer at the zoo, we invite everyone to marvel at our Art to Save the Sea and discover one thing to reduce single-use plastic use in their lives.” 

As the only zoo or aquarium in Canada showcasing Washed Ashore in 2025, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is honoured to share this milestone celebration with the Calgary community and visitors from across the country —making the experience all the more meaningful.  

“Through the universal language of art, Washed Ashore brings the issue of ocean debris to life in a way that resonates with everyone,” continued Burks. “It’s eye-opening, it’s beautiful, and it’s a powerful reminder that individual actions can add up to real change.”  

Admission to Washed Ashore is included with general zoo admission and memberships, making it accessible to all visitors looking to be inspired while exploring the zoo this summer. For more information or to purchase admission tickets, visit https://www.calgaryzoo.com/washed-ashore/. 

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For more information contact:
Alison Archambault
Director, Brand & Engagement
403.232.7766 | 403.919.9482 | mediarelations@calgaryzoo.com 

For more than 30 years, the internationally accredited Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has been a leading authority in wildlife conservation, reintroducing threatened species to the wild and empowering communities to conserve natural resources to positively impact both the environment and local inhabitants. 

While our work is global, our roots run deep in the Albertan conservation community. Sitting on 125 acres in the heart of the city, we operate one of the oldest charities in Alberta, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – a not-for-profit charitable wildlife conservation organization that works to fight the extinction of plants and animals worldwide. In addition to the zoo, we proudly operate the Archibald Biodiversity Centre (ABC), Canada’s largest conservation breeding and research facility. Nestled on 330 acres in the Albertan prairies, the ABC is a stronghold for biodiversity and a temporary home to some of Canada’s most iconic species-at-risk. 

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is passionate about inspiring and educating generations of visitors about the importance of biodiversity and conservation. Together, we will continue to be a force of nature for making the world a wilder place. Learn more at WilderInstitute.org and CalgaryZoo.com.