New artwork at the Fehmarnbelt project highlights threatened toads
An eight-metre-high artwork topped with a rhinoceros has been erected at the viewing platform “Pilen” in Rødbyhavn (Denmark). The sculpture, titled “Nature Wavers”, was created by the Copenhagen Zoo (ZOO) in collaboration with the Fehmarnbelt project to draw attention to the biodiversity crisis.
The sculpture resembles a giant wooden block-stacking game, where each block represents an animal species. At the very top, a rhinoceros balances — one of many endangered species in the world. The artwork encourages reflection on the serious state of biodiversity and the need to act for the sake of future generations.
Biodiversity under pressure
With the installation Nature Wavers, ZOO aims to engage citizens, landowners and decision-makers in the effort to preserve a rich and diverse natural environment — before it is too late.
“Our goal is for the installation to make people stop and reflect. Biodiversity is under pressure with serious consequences, and we must inspire hope and action for future generations. At ZOO we work daily with conservation and the protection of endangered species, but we need more nature heroes among the public,” says Pernille Mehl, CEO of the Copenhagen Zoo.
Focus on the toad
The sculpture is placed at the Fehmarnbelt project because ZOO and Sund & Bælt – the owner of the Fehmarnbelt tunnel – entered a multi-year partnership last year to strengthen the population of the endangered green toad in Rødbyhavn and on Sprogø near the Storebælt Bridge.
It is the first time ZOO has partnered with a state-owned developer in a project of this kind.
“This is an incredibly important project that gives us exciting opportunities to strengthen populations of Danish species at risk of extinction. In this case, together with Sund & Bælt’s strong local engagement, we can highlight the work to save a locally threatened species — the green toad,” says Pernille Mehl.
Collected eggs and tadpoles
During last spring, ZOO’s experts collected toad eggs and tadpoles from the ponds around the tunnel factory in Rødbyhavn and on Sprogø. Since then, the eggs have hatched and the tadpoles have grown in the ZOO’s breeding centre in Copenhagen.
Later this spring, the animals will be released back into nature, except for a small group kept “in reserve” at ZOO to form a future breeding population. This helps ensure sustainable breeding for release into the new natural areas being created as part of the Fehmarnbelt project.
“As the owner, we have a responsibility to act with care when building new infrastructure. We aim to protect nature and minimise the impact our large projects have on the surrounding wildlife. Together with ZOO, we are strengthening the population of the green toad in our many ponds in the area and making a local difference,” says Emilie Juel-Helwig, Director of Sustainability at Sund & Bælt.
Inspired by a family game
According to ZOO, Nature Wavers is inspired by the classic family game “Jenga”. It is constructed from 36 massive Douglas fir wooden blocks, symbolising the foundations of nature. A large rhinoceros balances on top, at risk of falling when its life conditions and habitats are weakened.
Each block represents a species, and when one is removed, the tower loses stability. In the same way, natural ecosystems become unbalanced when species disappear.
Visitors can learn more about ZOO’s conservation projects, support the work financially or find inspiration for how to make a difference themselves — both on the installation and via QR codes.
The sculpture can be visited at the Pilen car park until 1 May 2026.
Facts about Nature Wavers:
- Height: 8.54 metres
- Made of 36 massive Douglas fir blocks
- Each block weighs approx. 200 kg
- Wood locally produced at Ølstykke Saw Mill
- Rhinoceros consists of a metal skeleton with papier mâché and polymer plaster “skin”
About the Fehmarnbelt tunnel:
The Fehmarnbelt tunnel is being built as an 18 km immersed tunnel for cars and trains between the Danish island of Lolland and the German island of Fehmarn. It will feature a two lane motorway in each direction and two electrified rail tracks for high speed trains. The journey will take 10 minutes by car and 7 minutes by train.
About Sund & Bælt:
Sund & Bælt creates long lasting connections and improved mobility. With technical expertise and experience from complex infrastructure projects, the company develops and operates future proof solutions that reduce distances, strengthen cohesion in Denmark and bring the country closer to Europe.