BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A new seven-foot-tall bronze flamingo statue is bringing color and whimsy to the Birmingham Zoo’s American Flamingo habitat following its unveiling Friday. The “Flamboyant Flamingo,” created by local artist Nelson Grice, features a six-foot wingspan and weighs about 800 pounds.
Grice, based in Columbiana, is known for public sculptures around Birmingham, including the “Miss Fancy” elephant at Avondale Park and the “Long Tall Silly” at Aldridge Gardens. His work often blends playful artistic elements with historical references and has become a fixture in Birmingham’s arts scene. He completed the flamingo project after more than a year of planning, sculpting and bronze casting, starting from a clay model in his studio.
Zoo officials say the statue’s installation was inspired by the annual “Flamingo Flamboyance” gala fundraiser and aims to enhance visitor experience while celebrating the zoo’s signature flock of flamingos. The unveiling drew guests dressed in pink, and families are already flocking to the new landmark for photos.