Portuguese artist transforms trash into sculptures

LISBON - Broken crates and worn pipes pile up in the studio of Portuguese artist Bordalo II, who uses rubbish to create surprising animal sculptures to warn about the dangers of pollution.

The bearded 31-year-old has decorated the Portuguese capital and other cities around the world with his colorful foxes, owls, monkeys and chameleons.

In Lisbon, one of his best-known works is a four-meter-high raccoon assembled from old tires, car bumpers and electronic components that gazes down on pedestrians in the riverside Belem district.