Almaty installs monument honoring 2016 human chain rescue

A new monument titled ‘Unity’ has been installed in Almaty, Kazakhstan, to commemorate a selfless rescue that occurred ten years ago at the Sairan Reservoir. In 2016, a dog fell into the reservoir and became trapped by strong currents and steep walls. When the owner descended to save the animal, both became stuck, prompting a group of strangers to form a human chain to pull them to safety.

The sculpture, created by contemporary Kazakh artist Yerbossyn Meldibekov, depicts four men holding hands to form a rescue chain. The design includes an interactive element where the uppermost figure reaches out an open hand, allowing passersby to symbolically join the mission. The project was commissioned by Forte Bank in collaboration with the Almaty City Design School.