The Iberian Lynx in Lisbon – Trash Turned Treasure

It’s street art that can feel a little unsettling at first glance, yet also playful depending on how you see it. You’ll find the Iberian Lynx sculpture in a parkland setting near the river estuary, not far from the Parc des Nações district—a striking mix of color, texture, and perspective.

 Standing proudly on the waterfront at Parque das Nações, the Iberian Lynx sculpture by Bordalo II is more than just eye-catching street art. Built entirely from discarded plastics, textiles, and scrap materials, it transforms waste into a vibrant reminder of what’s at stake: the survival of one of Europe’s most endangered species.

🐾 Why it matters:

• The Iberian Lynx once teetered on the brink of extinction.

• Bordalo II’s work highlights how human consumption and pollution threaten fragile ecosystems.

• By turning trash into art, he forces us to confront the impact of our choices while celebrating resilience and beauty.

🌍 A message in color: Every patch of fabric, every piece of plastic, tells a story of waste repurposed into awareness. The lynx’s piercing gaze and bold form invite us to rethink what we throw away—and what we stand to lose if we don’t act.

image source - https://www.nathab.com/blog/iberian-lynx-make-a-remarkable-recovery-in-portugal

The Iberian lynx is the world’s rarest wild cat — and one of conservation’s biggest comeback stories. Once on the brink of extinction with fewer than 100 left in the wild, this spotted feline with its dramatic ear tufts and beard-like whiskers is now slowly reclaiming parts of Spain and Portugal thanks to massive rescue efforts.