Giraffe Sculpture in the Silesian Park

The Giraffe in the Silesian Park is an abstract sculpture over 16 metres tall, standing by one of the main entrances to the park, next to the Park Śląski Ogród Zoologiczny bus and tram stop. It is regarded as a symbol of the park, and the avenue leading to the Silesian Zoological Garden is named after it.

Where it came from

The park lacked an element that would invite visitors to the zoo, and the giraffe was meant to become such a sign. The artistic concept was prepared by Leopold Pędziałek and Leszek Dutka, and the structure was designed by Jerzy Tombiński. The sculpture was cast in 1959 at the Gliwice Technical Equipment Works.

What it looks like

The giraffe is shown in an abstract manner and rests on three legs, which makes the structure more stable. The long neck leans away from the vertical, and the rounded head has a large opening resembling an eye. It is a spatial reinforced concrete structure. Originally it was grey, in 1996 it was painted yellow with brown patches, and the revitalisation completed on 30 April 2011 restored its original colours. The sculpture is entered in the register of movable monuments of the Silesian Voivodeship under number B/206/11.

Conservation and customs

The head of the sculpture has been taken off for conservation, so before a visit it is worth checking whether the giraffe is complete. In winter 2011 the sculpture's neck was wrapped in a scarf 135 metres long, made by volunteers and local residents. Every year on 2 April the sculpture is lit blue for World Autism Awareness Day.

Practical information

• Address: Aleja Żyrafy, Chorzów, at the entrance to the Silesian Park from the zoo side.
• The sculpture is viewed from outside, without a ticket.
• Right next to it is the gate of the Silesian Zoological Garden.