Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Six lumbering troll sculptures are taking their first trek into Canada this month on a mission to save the humans — and Winnipeggers will be the first to meet them.
A travelling outdoor exhibition called TROLLS: Save the Humans featuring gigantic wooden pieces created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo will be opening at Assiniboine Park Zoo on Nov. 14.
Dambo, who is best known for his massive troll sculptures that have been displayed around the world, created the pieces for the forthcoming exhibit using recycled and discarded materials.
“They are on a mission to save the humans,” said Lindsay Hughes, communications manager at Assiniboine Park Conservancy.
Ibbi Pip, one of six gigantic troll sculptures coming to Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Park Zoo, is an optimistic animal lover who creates colourful birdhouses. (Courtesy of Atlanta Botanical Garden)
“They have a belief that humans have lost touch with nature. We are not treating our planet the way that we should and they each bring their own personality and mission and lesson to teach the humans how to protect the Earth,” she said, adding that the exhibit felt like a great fit for the park’s own goal to connect people with nature.
Each of the half-dozen trolls have their own distinct roles within the group.
There’s Basse Buller, an artist who paints nature-inspired pictures; Rosa Sunfinger, an introverted gardener who can bring life to spaces with plants; and Ibbi Pip, an optimistic animal lover who creates colourful birdhouses.
Winnipeggers can also meet Kamma Can, a creative creature who transforms trash; Ronja Redeye, an outspoken communicator and natural leader; and Sofus Lotus a keen listener who was the first to notice something was bring with the world.
People who go to see TROLLS: Save the Humans will be allowed to touch and climb on the massive wooden sculptures. (Courtesy of Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Centre)
Hughes, a self-described “bird nerd,” said she felt drawn to Ibbi Pip, who also caught the attention of other animal-loving staff members at the zoo. Once she reaches Winnipeg, the sculpture will be flanked by trees with lots of little birdhouses perched around her.
Weekend zoogoers who want to communicate with the trolls can connect with the park’s “troll translator team” — a group of staff and volunteers that will be spreading the messages that the trolls have to share through programming and educational activities.
But some messages have already been placed around the site ahead of the trolls’ arrival. They can be decoded using the troll alphabet posted on the park’s website.
The six trolls heading to Winnipeg have already left messages for park visitors to decode ahead of their arrival, says Lindsay Hughes, communications manager with Assiniboine Park Conservancy. (Courtesy of Atlanta Botanical Garden)
Visitors are also allowed to touch and interact with the massive wooden sculptures, some of which stand between 4.5 and six metres tall (15 to 20 feet).
“This is not the kind of art exhibition that you look at from afar. People are welcome to climb on them, touch them and connect with them directly. So I think it’s going to be really, really cool and people are going to have a lot of fun,” Hughes said.
CBC News has reached out to Thomas Dambo for comment.
TROLLS: Save the Humans will be on at Assiniboine Park Zoo and Zoo Lights from Nov. 14 until Feb. 13, 2027.