April 22 is Earth Day and to expose the impact humans have on millions of animals around the globe, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) at its Bronx Zoo headquarters has commissioned local artists to create large-scale sculptures of endangered animals made entirely out of recycled materials.
Philosophy
Designed to educate and inspire people to be more conscious of what they consume, each unique sculpture on display will communicate a message of conservation to stress the urgency and importance of recycling.
Problem
Sculptures are created from recycled cardboard, plastic and paper bags, plastic and glass bottles, tires, newspapers and more. In addition to a 12-foot towering West African giraffe, endangered animals will include: the Karner blue butterfly, the red panda, black rhinoceros, polar bear, a green sea turtle and a manatee.