Balto Statue in New York
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Location on the map
New York, New York County, New York, US
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Amenities
Site: https://www.centralparknyc.org/a...
- Monday:6AM–1AM
- Tuesday:6AM–1AM
- Wednesday:6AM–1AM
- Thursday:6AM–1AM
- Friday:6AM–1AM
- Saturday:6AM–1AM
- Sunday:6AM–1AM
Balto is one of Central Park‘s greatest four – legged heroes. The small statue of a sleddog is popular among both adults (who know the story) and little kids who enjoy riding it for photos.In January 1925, the small Alaskan town of Nome suffered by diphtheria outbreak. The disease mostly struck children and was spreading very quickly. The illness could easily be contained with a certain antitoxin, but the town doctors were out of it, so it was threatening the lives of thousands within and out of the town.The best way to provide the required antitoxin was by dogsleds from Anchorage, but that was somewhat of a suicide mission due to the fact that it was in the peak of winter. The best options were the then – popular dogsleds. More than twenty sleds have ventured, and among them was Gunnar Kasson with his team leader Balto – an Alaskan malamute.Something of a race began, but it was the least between the sleds. They were racing with time, winter, and the disease. In the end Kasson and Balto were the first to reach their final destination. Kasson gave all the credit to his sled leader. They even toured the US as celebrities and were present when the statue in Central Park was unveiled.
Of the monuments I enjoy seeing in Central Park is the Balto Statue just before the Willowdell Arch bridge. Sculpted by Frederick George Richard Roth and erected in 1925, here you see a bronze of a Siberian Husky called Balto, who famously led a dog team through terrible winter conditions on a 675 mile journey to bring medicine to an isolated community in Alaska.Balto is wearing dog sled gear and is standing upon a boulder. There is an plaque with dedication message mounted into the face of the boulder, just below the Balto statue. Have a quick look before moving on to other intended sightseeing in Central Park.
Had waited a long time to finally have the same moment the classic movie Balto ended with. When the little girl finally finds the statue of Balto in Central Park that her grandma had always talked about. Walking up to that statue - although I’m allergic to dogs - gave me the chills... yes, it was the middle of early winter... so that may have been the actual source of goosebumps. But either way. I think we all need a moment similar to Miriam Margoyles... “thank you Balto, would’ve been lost without you”
This was a childhood dream of mine. To visit the Balto statue after being obsessed with the movie as a kid. I finally got around to doing it in my late 20s. Man, was it worth it. Such a cool experience to see the monument and read the plaque. Very cool. And a Bucket List item ✅ checked off.
Sincerely wish this said Togo instead of Balto, but it is, never the less, a great story and memorial, and the statue is dedicated to all the dogs involved.In 2011, Time magazine named Togo the most heroic animal of all time: The dog that often gets credit for eventually saving the town is Balto, but he just happened to run the last, 55-mile leg in the race. The sled dog who did the lions share of the work was Togo.
Tia Zoo was nothing sorry of amazing. I mean I figured it would be..... Its central park zoo. But still the weather was not that good that day.. and I had just gotten my vaccine shot and was not sure how the day would play it... Not to mention my GF took hers like the day before so I want expecting much. And it was amazing!! Easily recommend.
It looks beautiful in daylight. Maybe they should consider installing lights for at night time. The Balto story was a memorable part of my childhood. It’s a great place for tourist to go. It’s also rather secluded. 10/10 should go see the balto statue among other attractions in Central Park.
Endurance, Fidelity, and Intelligence! The character traits printed on the plaque of the Balto statue are character traits that we should all be emulating. The iconic story of the snow dog (and team) that helped to bring medical supplies to a remote location in Alaska is timelessly inspiring as proven by the fact that this statue has been made. Following the epic journey Balto and team were sold to a vaudeville show in Los Angeles where they were badly treated. A concerned businessman from Cleveland Ohio noticing the poor situation of the dogs worked to bring the dogs to Ohio where they resided in Brookside Zoo the remainder of their years. Balto who died in 1933 was taxidermized and remains on display in the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
I was very surprised that you can review this statue, but I am happy that I can. Balto was a very good dog, and he saved people. I really love dogs, and I love hero dogs even more. The statue really represented the beautiful dog, and it stood out as a statue in central park that I will remember.
Ever since I watched the movie Balto during my childhood, my brother and I have always wanted to go to the statue in Central Park. I finally went there and its just a great story and statue. We were so happy to finally be there. I love the whole story of Balto so you should watch the movie if you havent and then come to the statue. 10/10
Balto statue I came upon by accident as I entered Central park,situated on the left to me as I continued my walk to my intended destination was this large dog statue. I paused with half dozen other people who were around at the time. Read the details ..fascinating story. I Continued my journey as my intention was to visit strawberry fields..John Lennon memorial site.Never made it as my journey was interrupted by closures due to slippery ice laden pathways. My visit to the park would have been more successful in better weather times...January with -10 degree temperatures certainly not conducive with hopeful aspirations. I better go back in warmer climes, put up with a queue/line and try again
People please look at the big picture now if Togo failed on his path and role both dogs would fail their mission so does if Balto and Kaasen had lost the serum on their path. If that happens Togo’s hard work is wasted. The goal is to just get the MEDICINE TO THE CHILDREN not to see who is the best dogs cause all of them are.
A beautiful statue that gives a shoutout to one of the lesser known heroic acts in American history. Balto, the dog himself, played a major role as a sled dog that helped quicklu deliver a serum to Nome, Alaska to cure the mortally sick. Although most statues are bound to develop a patina from weathering and age, Balto stays shiny like new, due to constant contact and touching by those who want to ride his back or pet him.
I didnt live during this time but as my opinion, the status should have been for TOGO together with his owner LEONARD SEPPALA who sled for 263 miles while the other team only sled for 31 miles. Thats HEROISM. Though they didnt receive any awards but the people will remember what SEPPALA and TOGO did that day.
The statue appeared to be well maintained. There were many sled dogs that helped to transport the life-saving serum.I believe that each and every sled dog that contributed should be individually honored! Its a shame that some of the sled dogs were tied to a sled and confined to a small area for exhibition! They should have had a better quality of life! Freedom to run! The best of food! Lots of love, tender loving care!The Iditarod isnt run over the original serum Run! Too many dogs are bred. They arent well kept!A hundred years ago it was hard to provide for your family! Sled dogs were kept as part of the family. They were few in number. No one could afford to keep so many dogs !!! People cried when there wasnt enough food to feed their dogs! The dogs were counted upon to help! They were loved & treasured for the help that they gave!Dogs wore special coats to protect genitals, paws etc... Sled dogs were nurtured! Breeding was limited, as not every family could afford to raise puppies! They were allowed inside of homes, not tied up to a barrels by the hundreds!Iditarod racers should be limited to one litter( of puppies) per year or be disqualified from the race! They should learn to LOVE and appreciate EVERY single dog that they have!Keep only the best! All Sled dogs are special.Think about breeding and keeping the best sled dogs that you can! Carefully select the parents.I would then be proud of the Iditarod racers!Dont ever lose what made Balto and all of the other sled dogs GREAT DOGS!I hope that its not gone yet!No more large kennels! Keep all of your current canine sled dog racers. Enjoy!Limit future breeding! Careful selection and nurtured dogs will recreate & honor the old ways!!!!
A great, accessible piece of history in Central Park. The story of Balto and the sled dogs that delivered diphtheria antitoxin is a great one for kids and adults. You can get up close and take a photo with the statue, and then listen to teenagers try to pronounce antitoxin.
One of the most admired statues in the park stands on a rock outcropping on the main path leading north from the Tisch Children’s Zoo.A 1995 animated movie was based on the heroic exploits of Balto, an Alaskan Malamute, who braved fierce Arctic weather to deliver a badly needed antitoxin to save a community from a diptheria epidemic. Balto actually later visited New York and saw his statue dedicated.Frederick G.R. Roth, who designed the statue, was a well known animal sculptor. Roth’s Balto is depicted with his dogsled harness hanging from his back, as he appears to survey the distance. A low-relief plaque bears the words “Dedicated to the indomitable spirit of the sled dogs that relayed antitoxins 660 miles over rough ice, across treacherous waters, through Arctic blizzards from Nenana to the relief of stricken Nome in the winter of 1925.” Just like the Alice in Wonderland sculpture, the glowing bronze patina is the result of the loving pats of countless children, and perhaps of adults, as they happen on Balto near Willowdell Arch.
Togo was the real hero here. He ran over 260 miles, while the other dogs only ran 31 miles. This historical FACT needs to be corrected and credit needs to go where it is due...especially to Togos owner who made the long trip to save the lives of children. Do the right thing!
Balto (March 1919) was a Siberian Husky sledgehammer who led his team during the transfer of diphtheria to Nome in Year 6. At that time, diphtheria was widespread among people, and the drug was transported by train from Anchorage, Alaska, to Nenana, Alaska, to reach Nom people using sled dogs. The battle against diphtheria began with the annual race of sled dogs. The name Balto is taken from the Sami researcher Samuel Balto. Balto died at age 14.
Beautiful. According to Wikipedia, Balto (1919 – March 14, 1933) was a mostly black with some white Siberian husky and sled dog who led his team on the final leg of the 1925 serum run to Nome, in which diphtheria antitoxin was transported from Anchorage, Alaska, to Nenana, Alaska, by train and then to Nome by dog sled to combat an outbreak of the disease. Balto was named after the Sami explorer Samuel Balto. Balto died of natural causes at age 14.
Total reviews rating 4.7
199 Reviews for Balto Statue 2023:
Review №1
2022-05-29I think the statue is very well constructed and a good attraction for the price. However, I would like to see a little recognition for the real hero Togo. Hopefully, like statues of Robert E Lee and Christopher Columbus, the world will soon wake up to how history has been white washed and the true legend Togo will be honored. Great place for kids.
Review №2
2022-04-17Good ol’ Balto. Very nice statue. Beautiful photo opportunity. Nice memory to have. It’s also near a lot of other statues and there’s a Childress playground in front of the statue so it’s a win win for the kids.
Review №3
2022-04-25Nice statue but its too sad they chose the wrong dog. I mean yes, Balto was the leading dog of the last leg amd definitely deserves a recognition but I think Togo deserves to have a statue more.
Review №4
2022-07-08My daughter was so excited and happy when she got to pose with the statue. She loves dogs, rescue dogs most of all.
Review №5
2022-06-30Oh you have to love the Story or Balto/Togo. Both Heros and shared in bringing medicines to alot of people who were sick and dying in a town that was only accessable by Dog Sled in the Winter.
Review №6
2021-09-24Very interesting Baltos sculpture, its a shame they dont have Togos sculpture there too : (((
Review №7
2022-06-05Balto! Who doesn’t love that movie and thus absolutely love this statue. Iconic.
Review №8
2021-06-04Always nice to stop by the Balto Statue to pay respects to all the good boys (and girls) out there! Great place to stop for group or family photos. Just enjoy the view and relax on the park benches right next to the statue. Make sure to stop by the Balto Statue while you’re in Central Park. Enjoy!
Review №9
2022-05-24The story of Balto is so endearing and lovely, and the statue is a lovely memory of it. If you’re in Central Park I highly recommend paying Balto a visit to feel the magic!
Review №10
2022-05-03Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole ❤️