Great Elephant Migration takes Manhattan

A Great Elephant Migration is happening in Manhattan. Just when you thought the city that never sleeps has seen it all, a herd of one hundred life-size elephants has descended onto the concrete jungle.The larger than life art installation is foraging in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District. Can’t make it to see the heard? Read on and enjoy our tour.

What Is The Great Elephant Migration?

The Great Elephant Migration is one of the largest outdoor installations ever in New York City. One hundred elephants spread across the trendy Meatpacking District is one of the most meaningful public art displays ever to grace New York City. The exhibition is possible through a partnership between the Meatpacking District Management Association and Elephant Family USA. It aims to promote conservation, awareness and coexistence between humans and wildlife.

This family-friendly exhibition offers a unique interactive opportunity to teach people about threats to wildlife and the importance of conservation. Each of the beautifully detailed elephants was created by members of The Coexistence Collective, a community of 200 Indigenous artisans in India. Each elephant has a different shaped ear, making it an easy way to distinguish them. The sculptures are crafted from lantana camara. This fast-growing invasive weed pushes animals out of their natural habitats. It has spread across an estimated 115,000 square miles of India’s protected forests and preserves.

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You can see the majestic giants on 9th Avenue, between Gansevoort Plaza and West 15th Street through October 20, 2024. The elephants will all be available for sale, with donations starting at $8,000 for a baby elephant to $22,000 for a larger elephant with tusks. If only my small New York City apartment had room for an elephant!
The herd is on a cross-country journey, which started in Newport, Rhode Island.  You can check here to see where they will be migrating to next.