The Great Elephant Migration is a global fundraising adventure to amplify indigenous knowledge and inspire the human race to share space. A collaboration between indigenous artisans, contemporary artists and cultural institutions, the project has raised funds to power human-wildlife coexistence projects and protect migratory animals making spectacular journeys across land, rivers, skies and oceans.
This year, one-hundred magnificent life-sized Indian elephants migrated across the United States to share their coexistence story with the world. The elephants are constructed from an invasive weed called Lantana Camara and crafted by a team of a 150 indigenous artisans from across South India, many of whom experience this daily negotiation with nature first-hand. Each sculpture is for sale and proceeds raised support on-the-ground conservation work that supports coexistence.
The final stops of The Great Elephant Migration brought a powerful moment of art and conservation to both the Annenberg Wildlife Crossing and The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.
Early this morning, three elephant sculptures from the Migration were brought to the top of the Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, ceremoniously placed above the 101 Freeway to represent their arrival at their final destination in Los Angeles after a cross-country tour, and showcase efforts around human-wildlife coexistence and conservation with the crossing team.
From there, it was on to The Wallis, where a convoy of brightly decorated trucks pulled into the Stern Motor Court carrying the life-sized elephant sculptures. This 5,000-mile journey culminated with a ceremonial layer: More than 70 bespoke blankets draped over the elephants as part of “Wrapped in History,” an offering created by designers and Indigenous communities from around the world to honor traditions of protection, respect, and belonging.
The evening also honored Wallis Annenberg, who serves as an Honorary Matriarch of the Great Elephant Migration, recognizing her longstanding leadership in conservation and wildlife coexistence. Made up of influential women across diverse fields, including environmentalists, philanthropists, writers and creatives, The Great Elephant Migration Matriarchy are rallying support for human-wildlife coexistence alongside the elephants.
Though the journey has ended, the elephants’ message continues, as the sculptures will be exhibited at Beverly Park through July and auctioned online to support global conservation efforts.
