Giraffe Sculpture in Silesian Park

The Giraffe Sculpture, one of the most recognizable symbols of Silesian Park, was made using reinforced concrete technique. It stands over 16 meters tall and is supported by three legs, ensuring its stability. Initially, it was gray in color, but in 1996 it was repainted yellow with brown patches. In 2011, it underwent revitalization, restoring its original color scheme. The artwork has been entered into the register of movable monuments of the Silesian Voivodeship. The sculpture was designed by Leopold Pędziałek and Leszek Dutka, while the structure was engineered by Jerzy Tombiński, who created it at the Gliwice Technical Equipment Plant in 1959. The giraffe is located near the main entrance to the park and the "Silesian Park Zoo" public transport stop, making it an invitation to visit the zoo. Every year, on April 2, the sculpture is illuminated in blue to mark World Autism Awareness Day. In the winter of 2011, its neck was wrapped in a 135-meter-long scarf, created by members of the Park Volunteer Academy and local residents. The entire structure is an example of spatial art that combines architectural elements with cultural function, serving not only as a tourist attraction but also as an important part of the local community's identity. The giraffe has inspired the naming of the avenue leading to the Silesian Zoo, and its unique shape attracts attention and inspires numerous social initiatives, standing out as a significant feature in the cultural landscape of the region.