Giant wooden troll statue made by artist who created Alabama’s ‘Mama Zelda’ burns to the ground

A somber morning in Austin has left fans of public art reeling after a famous wooden troll statue was destroyed by fire. The 18-foot sculpture, known as Malin, was one of many whimsical creations crafted by artist Thomas Dambo, whose work has gained a massive following nationwide, including right here in Alabama.

Fire Destroys Beloved Landmark

According to a report by the Statesman, the Austin Fire Department received a distress call regarding the blaze at Pease Park just before 5:30 a.m. on Thursday. While emergency crews arrived on the scene within five minutes and managed to douse the flames, the wooden statue was unfortunately lost. An arson investigation team is currently looking into the incident, leaving the Pease Park Conservancy and the local community heartbroken over the loss of a site that held a special place in their hearts.

The Alabama Connection

While the Texas community mourns Malin, Alabamians can still visit a piece of Dambo’s enchanting work at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. In 2025, the garden welcomed a permanent exhibit featuring a 20-foot-tall troll named Mama Zelda, accompanied by an immersive living maze.

Guests at the garden can experience Mama Zelda and the surrounding maze as part of their general admission. Those interested in planning a trip to see the exhibit for themselves can see ticket prices here.

A Global Legacy

Thomas Dambo has built a worldwide reputation for these large-scale wooden wonders, having erected more than 170 trolls to date. His history with these installations has seen its share of challenges; for example, his inaugural troll, "Hector the Protector," was installed in Puerto Rico in 2014 before being destroyed by Hurricane Maria in 2017—though it was eventually rebuilt, highlighting the resilience of Dambo’s art and the communities that cherish it.