Balto: the only dog with a statue in New York

What you should know about the Balto statue

• Most statues honor famous people. New York has a different kind of tribute: a bronze statue dedicated to a dog. But Balto, a husky, was no ordinary dog—he became a hero in 1925.
• His story reads like an adventure film. In December 1924, the small town of Nome, Alaska, was struck by a diphtheria epidemic. The local clinic ran out of medicine to treat all the patients. Twenty sled dogs were sent into a blizzard from Anchorage to deliver serum. The journey covered more than 1,000 km (620 mi).
• Balto was one of the lead dogs in the team. His efforts helped the entire pack push forward and reach their destination as quickly as possible.
• American sculptor Frederick George Richard Roth created the statue, which was installed in Central Park on December 15, 1925, in the presence of the real Balto.

How to visit Balto

• The Balto statue stands north of the Central Park Zoo, on the East Drive at 67th Street.
• Central Park officials note that, like the Alice in Wonderland statue, Balto’s statue welcomes children. “This bronze hero is ready to accept hugs and let children climb on his back,” the park explains.
• You’ll notice that the dog’s back, tail, and especially his ears are polished smooth and shiny. Since 1925, Balto has been a favorite with children.

The Balto statue is located near East 67th Street. (Photo Jim Henderson)

Map to the Balto statue