A powerful new traveling exhibit has arrived at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, and it is hard to miss.
Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea features massive, colorful sculptures of marine and coastal wildlife made entirely from plastic pollution and marine debris collected from beaches and waterways.
These dramatic works of art are beautiful, surprising, and a little heartbreaking. Look closely and you will see bottle caps, toothbrushes, flip flops, tires, fishing gear, toys, disposable lighters, and other everyday items transformed into unforgettable sculptures with an important message.
Art with a mission
Created by the nonprofit organization Washed Ashore, the exhibit uses art to show the impact plastic pollution has on oceans, waterways, and wildlife.
Thousands of volunteers have helped collect debris from beaches and transform it into powerful sculptures under the direction of artist and educator Angela Haseltine Pozzi. Each piece is paired with educational signage that helps guests learn more about ocean stewardship, responsible consumer habits, and how every action counts.
See 10 sculptures on Como’s zoo grounds
Como is home to 10 Washed Ashore sculptures this summer, including:
• Chompers Bull Shark
• Gertrude African Penguin
• Hugo Humpback Whale Tail
• Sea Jelly Bloom
• Scrappy the Sea Lion Pup
• Priscilla Rainbow Parrotfish
• Rosa Bald Eagle
• Nora Salmon
• Natasha Sea Turtle
• Sebastian James the Puffin
One of the exhibit’s many eye catching sculptures is Natasha the Sea Turtle, measuring 11 feet long and weighing approximately 1,200 pounds.
Rosa Bald Eagle is another powerful highlight. Standing 9.5 feet tall and stretching 17 feet long, Rosa depicts a Bald Eagle pulling a fish from the water, a reminder that plastic pollution does not stay in one place. It can move through waterways, enter the food chain, and affect wildlife far beyond the shoreline.
Sebastian James the Puffin helps tell the story of ocean birds that may mistake plastic for food or become entangled in abandoned fishing gear. Like every sculpture in the exhibit, Sebastian James is made from real debris collected from beaches.
Small actions can make a big difference
Washed Ashore encourages guests to think about the everyday choices that can help protect wildlife and waterways. Reducing single use plastics, reusing what we can, recycling properly, and keeping trash out of storm drains and natural spaces are all simple steps that add up.
The exhibit is a fun, family friendly way to explore conservation through art, creativity, and curiosity.
Plan your visit
Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea is now on display on Como’s zoo grounds through Labor Day.
Admission to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is free. Voluntary donations are appreciated and help keep Como free and accessible for everyone.
Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through legislative appropriation from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
