Statue of Janya - the Baby Elephant in Chester
A lifelike bronze baby elephant statue symbolizing life, friendship, and Chester’s bond with its zoo, nestled in the historic city center.
The Statue of Janya, a life-size bronze sculpture of a baby Indian elephant, is located at 52-40 Northgate Street in Chester. Created by sculptor Annette Yarrow and gifted by Chester Zoo in 2010, Janya symbolizes the strong friendship between the city and the zoo. The statue is notable for its realistic detail and invites tactile interaction, making it a charming and photogenic landmark in Chester’s historic city center.
A brief summary to Statue of Janya - the Baby Elephant
- 52-40 Northgate St, Chester, CH1 2HA, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the detailed craftsmanship and take photos in natural light.
- Take time to touch and interact with the statue as it is designed for tactile engagement.
- Explore nearby landmarks such as Chester Cathedral and the Town Hall to enrich your visit.
- Combine your visit with a trip to Chester Zoo to see the related elephant sculpture and live animals.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Walking
From Chester city center, walk along Northgate Street for about 10-15 minutes on paved, flat terrain. The statue is located outside 52-40 Northgate Street, easily visible and accessible. Suitable for all mobility levels.
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Bus
Take any bus heading toward Chester city center that stops near Northgate Street. From the bus stop, walk approximately 5 minutes to the statue. Bus services run frequently with fares around £2-£4.
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Bicycle
Cycle toward Chester city center using designated bike lanes. Secure bike parking is available near Northgate Street. The statue is a short walk from parking and easily accessible.
Statue of Janya - the Baby Elephant location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Statue of Janya - the Baby Elephant
A Symbol of Life and Friendship Between Chester and Its Zoo
The Statue of Janya, meaning "Life" in Hindi, is a beautifully detailed bronze sculpture of a baby Indian elephant. Created by renowned sculptor Annette Yarrow and installed in 2010, it was a gift from Chester Zoo to the people of Chester. The statue celebrates the strong bond between the city and the zoo, serving as a tangible symbol of their friendship and shared commitment to wildlife conservation. Positioned prominently on Northgate Street outside Barclays Bank, it stands near Chester Cathedral and the Town Hall, linking key cultural landmarks.Artistic Realism and Interactive Experience
Janya is remarkable for its lifelike appearance, capturing the innocence and charm of a young elephant calf. The sculpture is designed not only for viewing but also for tactile engagement; visitors are encouraged to touch and stroke the statue, fostering a personal connection with the artwork. This interactive element reflects the sculpture's role as a living monument bridging urban life and nature. Despite its delicate artistry, it is a popular spot where locals and tourists alike often take photos or selfies.Contextual Connections Across Chester
The statue is part of a broader artistic and historical network within Chester. Nearby, inside Chester Cathedral, there is a 14th-century wooden carving of an elephant and castle, linking medieval craftsmanship with modern wildlife art. Additionally, Chester Zoo houses another sculpture of a young elephant by Annette Yarrow, creating a spatial and thematic link between the city center and the zoo, approximately three miles away. This network of pachyderm-themed art highlights Chester’s unique cultural heritage and its ongoing dedication to animal welfare.Location and Surroundings
Situated on a bustling street flanked by shops, cafes, and historic buildings, the statue offers a tranquil yet lively spot for visitors to pause and appreciate Chester’s artistic spirit. It is directly opposite the Town Hall and close to other landmarks such as the Chester Visitor Information Centre and the Roman city walls. The statue’s location makes it an accessible and memorable part of a walking tour through Chester’s historic core.Community and Conservation Significance
Janya embodies more than artistic beauty; it represents Chester’s community values and its connection to global conservation efforts. Funded by Chester Renaissance, Chester Zoo, and Cheshire West and Chester Council, the statue is a public gift reflecting local pride and environmental awareness. It encourages reflection on the importance of wildlife protection while celebrating the city’s cultural identity.Visitor Experience and Atmosphere
Visitors to the statue often find it a delightful and heartwarming encounter, especially for families and animal lovers. Its approachable scale and friendly design invite moments of joy and contemplation amid the urban environment. Whether admired for its craftsmanship, photographed as a keepsake, or touched for a sensory experience, Janya offers a unique blend of art, nature, and community spirit in the heart of Chester.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Chester Town Hall
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Chester Visitor Information Centre
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Ancient Roman Columns, Chester
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Chester War Memorial
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Chester Cross
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Crypt Chambers
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Bridge Of Sighs
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Wishing Steps
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Churchill House
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Unmissable attractions to see
Chester Town Hall Square
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Town Hall
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Edwardian Lady Tour
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Chester Cathedral
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Roman Strongroom
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Partly
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Storyhouse
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Chester Market
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Garden of the Honourable Cheshire Regiment
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Eastgate St
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Essential places to dine
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North Light Chester
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Chez Jules in Chester
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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The Gift Shop
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The Crystal Hut New Chester Market
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CH.ONE
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Menkind
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Harriet & Dee
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NICHOLS
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Elephant
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Realistic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
