After an extraordinary journey spanning over 5,000 miles across the United States, the Great Elephant Migration has concluded in Beverly Hills.
This unique project features 100 life-sized elephant sculptures, crafted to symbolize the harmonious coexistence of humans and wildlife.
The last three elephants crossed a ceremonial finish line outside the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, having traveled on pickup trucks along Santa Monica Boulevard.
Feh Tarty, chairperson of Elephant Family USA, the nonprofit responsible for the exhibit, shared the intentions behind the project.
“It’s meant to show communities in the U.S. what it’s like to live with wildlife, how to coexist with it, in a way where we are able to have a relationship, as opposed to seeing it as something distant,” Tarty explained.
The aim is to inspire people to reflect on wildlife’s role in their communities and to foster a broader understanding of its importance.
Each elephant sculpture is a handmade replica of real wild Indian elephants and is created from lantana camara, an invasive shrub threatening elephant habitats in India.
The artistry behind these sculptures is a collaborative effort by local artists in southern India, ensuring that each piece carries cultural significance.
Jaishankar Raman and his wife, Lakshmi, expressed their admiration for the initiative while following the elephants’ journey online since its inception in Rhode Island.
“I think it’s incredible to learn that there are so many complexities of elephants and how they live with humans,” Jaishankar noted.
He added that the project highlights both the challenges and opportunities for positive change in human-animal relationships.
Visitors took part in the celebration to support their artist friends and enjoy the beauty of the sculptures.
Ruth Mathieu and her family attended to witness the artistry firsthand and to cheer on a blanket designer they know.
“Just being here, you see all the beautiful colors, people from different nationalities here wearing their native clothes, and the elephants are just so beautiful,” Mathieu said.
Nicole King traveled from New York to see her blanket design displayed on one of the elephants.
“It actually speaks to, I think, what we’d like the United States to be about right now, which is basically the history of everyone’s history,” King remarked.
The sculptures are available for purchase, ranging in price from $8,000 to $22,000, with proceeds directed towards projects focused on biodiversity protection and the coexistence of humans and animals.
The public can view the exhibition starting July 1, as it will occupy four blocks of Beverly Gardens Park in Beverly Hills through August 1.
Tarty emphasized the emotional impact of witnessing the sculptures in person, stating, “You can try to imagine it all you want … but until you see it, it’s gonna pull something out of you that you wouldn’t believe you’ve experienced.”
He urges everyone to experience the visual splendor of these sculptures for themselves.
image source from：laist
