A giant Humboldt penguin made entirely from discarded plastic bottles from the River Thames has taken up residence at London Zoo, as sustainable aluminium bottled water brand Re:Water unveils Harper – a powerful public artwork highlighting the growing crisis of plastic pollution.
Standing three metres tall, the eco-art sculpture is made from 25kg of plastic – 1,102 single-use plastic bottles – the same number that flows into the Thames every 14 days, according to The State of the Thames Report, conducted by ZSL. The statue was built using bottles collected in a single day by Re:Water staff and volunteers and delivers a powerful message: our single-use plastic bottle problem is out of control.
The eye-catching installation will become a prominent feature within the Berthold Lubetkin penguin pool at London Zoo, serving as a bold visual reminder of the global pollution crisis – and aiming to raise awareness, spark conversation, and inspire action among visitors of all ages. The Humboldt penguin, a species classified as vulnerable, has been chosen to symbolise how pollution, climate change, and habitat degradation are putting animals at increasing risk.
“It’s shocking to think this entire sculpture was created from plastic pulled from the Thames in just two weeks,” said Matt Crocker, Founder of Re:Water. “By showcasing this at one of the UK’s most beloved conservation zoos, we hope to drive home the reality of plastic pollution and empower the Zoo’s visitors to choose more sustainable options in their everyday lives.”
As part of the collaboration, Re:Water’s 100% recyclable aluminium bottles are now available across London Zoo, offering visitors a plastic-free, environmentally responsible hydration option.
Karl Penman, Commercial Operations Manager at London Zoo, added: “This impactful sculpture aligns perfectly with our conservation goals. It’s a vivid, real-world example of the plastic crisis we’re fighting against – and an opportunity to show visitors how small changes, like choosing sustainable packaging, can help protect wildlife.”
Re:Water, owned by Berrington Pure Spring Water, launched in 2021 and has since sold over 10 million bottles and has products in M&S, Pret, Caffe Nero, National Trust and many more retailers and food outlets. The water brand uses 100% recycled aluminium bottles combining style, sustainability and convenience. Designed to be refilled, reused and endlessly recycled, Re:Water offers a premium alternative to single-use plastic, cartons, and glass.
This month, Re:Water has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation, one of only 46 UK businesses to win this prestigious award in 2025.
