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Little Rock Zoo unveils 22 interactive 'Capy Bear' sculptures
Summary
The Little Rock Zoo showed board members 22 mobile, reclaimed-plastic "Capy Bear" sculptures commissioned from Italy's Cracking Art Collective and funded by private donations through the Arkansas Zoological Foundation; a 12-year-old donor named Jackson raised $2,400 toward a sponsorship.
Susan Alru of the Little Rock Zoo presented a new public-art installation of 22 interactive "Capy Bear" sculptures, saying the pieces were commissioned from the Milan-based Cracking Art Collective and are made from reclaimed plastic.
"They are made of reclaimed plastic so they are sustainable," Alru said, and noted the work aligns with the zoo's conservation mission. Alru said the sculptures are mobile within the zoo and that some will appear around Little Rock, adding that donor recognition is included at the exhibit.
Alru told the board the project was paid for with private funds through the Arkansas Zoological Foundation and highlighted community fundraising: "We have had a 12-year-old who has taken it upon himself to raise funds to be a Capy Bear parent. Jackson has already raised $2,400." The board responded with applause.
The installation accompanies the zoo's new habitat being built with bond project funding, and staff encouraged the public to visit and offered sponsorship opportunities via an on-site QR code. The presentation closed with the board thanking Alru and city staff for their work and outreach plans.
