Construction work that has sprung up in front of the Atakent exhibition complex in Almaty has sparked lively discussion among residents, with many speculating that a "new squirrel" will appear on the site, according to infohub.kz.
The news was shared on the social network Threads by a user under the nickname artkozha. "Almaty, something is being built in front of the arches at Atakent — could it be a new squirrel?" he wrote.
In the comments, users began to speculate. "I hope it's not a squirrel. Something gilded or shiny would be more fitting here," "They want to bring the squirrel back," "Please, not a squirrel — I walked past there and my heart skipped a beat," the publication quoted residents as saying.
Meanwhile, the Almaty Department of Public Space Development explained that work has begun on installing a sculptural composition on the grounds of the Atakent cultural and exhibition complex.
"The installation of the composition is decorative and artistic in nature and is aimed at improving the grounds of the exhibition complex and enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the urban environment. The installation work is tentatively scheduled to be completed by the end of this month," the department said.
However, the department did not specify what exactly the composition will depict.
Recall that in 2018, a giant straw squirrel appeared near Atakent in Almaty, shocking residents. It was reported that 23 million tenge was spent on it. However, in 2020, it was decided to dismantle it.