(c) Photos and artwork by Thomas Dambo.
Twelve larger-than-life trolls are taking over Whipsnade Zoo this summer, and they’re on a mission to understand how humans connect with the natural world around them.
Arriving on the summer solstice on Saturday 21 June, and staying until the autumn equinox on Monday 22 September, the mythical travellers will call on young humans to bring their adults to the UK’s largest zoo to assist them with a special field study.
The trolls have observed that fully grown humans engage in all kinds of puzzling antics, and many of these mature humans seem to have forgotten how to connect with nature.
Guided by head troll, Taks, these beings need curious, nature-loving kids to bring their grown-ups to Whipsnade for a day immersed in the wonders of the animal kingdom – to show them how humans interact with nature, and demonstrate that some humans, at least, share their childlike wonder and love for wildlife.
Nestled amongst 600 acres of wildlife at the conservation zoo, the trolls can be found using a Trolls Treasure Hunt Map, with each of the gentle giants ready to be touched, sniffed, and interacted with, all while completing nature-themed crafts and tasks to reconnect with the wonders of the natural world along the way.
The twelve trolls, ranging from 5ft to over 9ft tall, are visiting Bedfordshire for this exhibition’s world premiere. They were constructed entirely from recycled materials by Danish artist and activist Thomas Dambo.
The troll trail is free this summer with zoo entry, and visitors can explore the rest of Whipsnade Zoo, with more than 11,000 animals from 245 species to discover – including a pride of rare northern African lions and their seven cubs.
Click here to discover more about Whipsnade Zoo.
