11 Famous Animal Statues Everyone Would Be Lucky to See in Their Lifetime

Humans have been constructing animal statues for thousands of years. It is a way for us to convey our deep bond with the animal kingdom and the debt of gratitude that we owe to our fellow creatures. Animal statues have been made out of a wide range of materials and can be small enough to sit on a city street or so huge that they can be seen from miles away. In our slideshow, you can explore some of the most well known statues in the world and learn more about the animals that inspired them.

The Kelpies, Scotland

Located at Helix Park, between Falkirk and Grangemouth in Scotland, the Kelpies are the largest equine sculptures in the world. They are 100ft tall and weigh more than 300 tonnes each and were the creation of artist Andy Scott.

The Kelpies, Scotland (Cont.)

The statues are modelled on two real Clydesdale horses called Duke and Baron. Clydesdales were originally bred for farming and agriculture. These days, they are used as carriage and show horses.

Bronze Charging Bull, New York City

Positioned on Broadway, in Manhattan, New York City, is the Charging Bull Statue, also called the Bull of Wall Street. The 7,100-pound bronze sculpture is 11 feet high and 16 feet long. Originally, it was illegally placed outside the New York Stock Exchange building but was moved to its current position in December 1989.

Bronze Charging Bull, New York City (Cont.)

Bulls are a symbol of size and strength. Human breeding practices have produced bulls that are now heavier and larger than their ancestors.

Monument of Remembrance for Slaughtered Animals, Poland

Located in the Polish city of Wroclaw, on the site of a former meat market, is a collection of bronze animal sculptures. The collection is called the Monument of Remembrance for Slaughtered Animals and it commemorates all the animals that have been killed to support humanity. It includes a goat, a duck, two pigs, and a rabbit.

Monument of Remembrance for Slaughtered Animals, Poland (Cont.)

It is estimated that 83 billion land animals are slaughtered by humans each year. That includes 75,208,676,000 chickens.

Sri Nandi Temple’s Bull, India

This massive sculpture of a bull was created from a single block of granite. It attracts thousands of visitors each year. Offerings are made to the bull including chickpeas and rice pudding. Legend has it that your wishes will come true if you whisper them in the bull’s ear.

Sri Nandi Temple’s Bull, India (Cont.)

Cattle are considered sacred in several Indian and African religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, and African paganism. In some regions of India, the slaughter of cattle is prohibited.

Trafalgar Square Lions, London

No trip to London is complete without a visit to the four bronze lions at Trafalgar Square, also called the Landseer lions after the man who created them. Each one stands 11 feet high and is 20 feet long, weighing seven tons. The lions were installed in 1867.

Trafalgar Square Lions, London (Cont.)

The lion has been called the “king of beasts” and is associated with courage and strength. They are the largest felines on the African continent.

Jatayu , India

The largest bird sculpture in the world is Jatayu, a mythical eagle. It is 200 feet long, 150 feet wide, and 70 feet tall and is found at the Earth Center building in the state of Kerala in southwest India. In fact, the sculpture is also the roof of the building!

Jatayu , India (Cont.)

Eagles have been called the “king of all birds” – they are magnificent birds with superb eyesight. They are a symbol of strength and can carry up to four times their own body weight.

The Pasture, Toronto

The Pasture is one of the most significant public sculptures in Canada. It comprises seven life-sized cows in a grassy courtyard. You will find it in the financial district of Toronto and it is based on the artist’s (Joe Fafard) childhood experiences.

The Pasture, Toronto (Cont.)

There are around 1.5 billion cows in the world. They have been domesticated for over 10,000 years. Some can produce over seven gallons of milk per day

Hachikō, Tokyo, Japan

Hachikō was a faithful dog that continued to wait for its master at a train station in Japan long after he had died. He has also been immortalized in the cult science-fiction sitcom Futurama. The bronze statue can be found outside Shibuya Station in Tokyo

Hachikō, Tokyo, Japan (Cont.)

Hachikō was an Akita – one of Japan’s oldest and most popular breeds. They have a reputation for being exceptionally loyal to their owners but often do not get on with other dogs.

Greyfriars Bobby, Edinburgh

This cute little dog spent 14 years guarding the grave of his owner until he himself died in January 1872. The story has been told in several books and films and the statue stands at the corner of Edinburgh’s Candlemaker Row.

Greyfriars Bobby, Edinburgh (Cont.)

Greyfriars Bobby is either a Skye terrier or a Dandie Dinmont terrier. Skye terriers are one of the oldest terrier breeds and have a reputation for being intensely loyal. Dandie Dinmont terriers are very vocal and loyal to their owners.

Soldier Bear Statue, Scotland

The soldier bear is called Wojtek and he is a part of both Polish and Scottish military history. He was adopted by a cub and formed a strong bond with the Polish soldiers. Close ties were forged between Poland and Scotland during World War II and the statue is located in Princes St. Gardens in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Soldier Bear Statue, Scotland (Cont.)

Wojtek was a Syrian brown bear, which is a subspecies of the Eurasian brown bear. They usually live in wooded and mountainous areas and can eat up to 90 pounds of food a day!

Secretariat Statue, KY Horse Park, United States

Secretariat was a famous racehorse who has been honored by a  bronze statue located at Kentucky Horse Park at Lexington. The life-size statue shows the horse being led into the winner’s circle.

Secretariat Statue, KY Horse Park, United States (Cont.)

Secretariat was a Thoroughbred racehorse. They are lean and athletic but also have a reputation for being both intelligent and stubborn. Theirs stamina is highly prized – they can maintain high speeds for a longer amount of time than other breeds.