The most impressive animal sculptures around the world

Aside from being an integral part of artistic sculpture and culture, these 6 animal statues have a profound humanistic significance that will blow your mind.

THE MYTHICAL EAGLE AT JATAYU EARTH’S CENTRE, KERALA, INDIA

Located on a beautiful hilltop at Jatayu Earth’s Centre Park, Kerala State, South India, Jatayu is known as the largest eagle sculpture in the world, measuring a giant 61m long, 46m wide and 22m high. Designed and built by sculptor Rajiv Anchal over a ten-year period, the Jatayu statue is the embodiment of the mythical eagle Jatayu in India’s fundamental collections of epics. Not only is it a majestic masterpiece of architecture, but Jatayu also has a spiritual meaning that reminds human beings of their connection to nature. Your trip to India would not be complete without visiting Jatayu Earth’s Centre Park and marvelling at the largest eagle sculpture on the planet.

ASTOR PLACE RHINO’S SCULPTURE ART, NEW YORK CITY, USA

When travelling to New York City, USA, you should not miss the opportunity to admire the bronze rhinos called ‘The Last Three’ located in Astor Place. Created by the world-renowned Australian duo – Gillie and Marc, this incredible interactive masterpiece aims at inspiring, educating and mobilising a global community to think critically about rhino conservation as well as encouraging real change against the sale of rhino horns. The three-layer sculpture depicts three northern white rhinos, Najin, Fatu and Sudan that are stacked on top of each other in an acrobatic stance. The purpose of it is to promote awareness of the white rhino’s terrible struggle so that people everywhere can develop a compassionate and loving bond towards one of the planet’s most magnificent creatures.

THE KELPIES, FALKIRK, SCOTLAND

Located in the Helix community parkland next to a new extension to the Forth and Clyde Canal in the Falkirk Council Area, Scotland, the giant horse-head sculptures of The Kelpies intrigue both local and foreign travellers. Kelpies are shape-shifting water beasts that pay tribute to Scottish mythology. Built from structural and stainless steel, each 30-metre-high monument weighs a whopping 300 tons, making it stand out from a distance in a unique formation: one looking up to the sky and one bending to the ground. Created by the talented artist Andy Scott, The Kelpies took 7 years to construct and serve as a tribute to the hardworking horses contributing to building the beautiful country of Scotland.

ANIMALS FOR SLAUGHTER IN WROCLAW, POLAND

When it comes to unique animal statues around the world, a bronze sculpture of livestock in Poland is high up on the list. Sculpted out of bronze,  this excellent masterpiece was  meticulously designed. The familiar image of two pigs, a goat, a duck and a rabbit not only remind people of the heyday of Wroclaw’s meat industry at the dawn of the 13^th century but also pay tribute and honour its value throughout history. In the 18^th century, Wroclaw ‘cleaned up’ its streets from the bloody business of animal slaughter and transferred farms and butchers outside of the city.

SRI NANDI TEMPLE’S BULL, MYSORE, INDIA

Located at the Sri Nandi Temple in Mysore City, Karnataka State, southwestern India, the Nandi bull statue attracts many devotees and tourists to the place. With a length of 8.2m and a height of 4.5m, this single piece of black granite is skilfully shaped as a bull decorated with colourful necklaces, beads and tassels to represent the religious culture of the local people. The Nandi bull is considered as a sacred animal as he is believed to have been the protector of the deity Shiva. Legend has it that if you whisper your wishes in the Nandi’s ears, all your prayers will come true. One of the top 20 attractions in the area, the temple draws thousands of visitors each year.

KING PUCK’S SCULPTURE ART IN KILLORGLIN, IRELAND

The bronze statue of a male mountain goat standing proudly in Killorglin, Kerry, Ireland is a celebration of the country’s oldest festival – the Puck Fair held every year from the 10^th – 12^th of August. During this ancient celebration, people parade on the streets in front of the proud bronze sculpture of King Puck. According to legend, the festival dates back to the 17^th century in a harvest when Oliver Cromwell, the fierce conqueror, was on his way to take over the peaceful town of Killorglin. One of the goats escaped from his army raced to the village and notified the villagers. Since then, they have shown their gratitude to the goat by holding the festival to honour the legendary ‘king’ of the country.

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