Frogs trapped in environmental art installation in Hämeenkyrö, Finland

In Hämeenkyrö, located in the Pirkanmaa region of Finland, a public environmental art installation has inadvertently trapped numerous frogs. A family that visited the installation, named “Yltä ja alta,” reported that they observed both live and dead frogs in the area, with at least one found covered in polyurethane foam. Over the first week of September, they documented the disturbing sight.

The artwork consists of earth-formed mounds, crossed by concrete tubes and pools of water. Renovation work is currently underway at the site. The family noted that hundreds, possibly thousands, of small frogs were trapped in empty water basins, measuring approximately 30 centimeters deep. During the restoration efforts, insulation boards and polyurethane foam were found covering one of the basins.

The family, who chose to remain anonymous, reveal they helped rescue several frogs. They notified the city of Nokia about the issue in early September, claiming that frogs had been trapped under the insulation boards and foam installed during renovations.

City officials confirmed that frogs were seen in the basins during the renovation. Venla Kuusela, the city horticulturist from Nokia’s infrastructure services, stated that all frogs were removed before the insulation boards were placed. Despite assertions from the family about the high number of trapped frogs, Kuusela reported that upon investigation, no frogs or other animals were found in the area.

Frogs and amphibians in Finland are protected under law, including during breeding and tadpole stages. If citizens believe environmental laws have been violated, they can file a report with the police. The art installation, designed by Nancy Holt and completed in 1998, is situated on land owned by the city of Nokia and has recently received funding for restoration.