A unique event is about to happen in Newport this summer. One hundred life-sized elephant statues will arrive in the city as part of an art exhibition called The Great Elephant Migration.
A nonprofit group called Elephant Family USA will display the statues, which represent an effort to promote coexistence between humans and wildlife. The idea is for people to learn about endangered species and how they can help to make a difference in their lives.
“The exhibition aims to spark important conversations about our overpopulated planet, the impact of human encroachment on wild spaces, and the inspiring ways we can coexist with all other living beings that share the planet with humankind,” wrote project manager James Reimer in a recent project proposal to the City of Newport.
The 100 elephants are crafted by indigenous Indian artisans and will consist of XL adult males, regular adult males, adult females, sub-adults, and calves. The largest of the statues weighs 800 pounds and stands 10 feet tall. They are made from dried Lantana Camara, one of the world’s most invasive weeds, in a process meant to “eradicate the weed from protected areas” and provide “more space for wildlife.”
According to the project proposal, the exhibition will be on display in Newport from July 1, 2024, to Sept. 6, 2024, and will be dispersed through lawns at popular destinations like Rough Point, The Breakers, Salve Regina University, and Great Friends Meeting House.
Newport is the first of six stops the elephants will make on their journey across the U.S. The others include Manhattan, Miami Beach, Yellowstone National Park, and Los Angeles.
Elephant Family USA covers the elephants’ installation and maintenance cost. The group hopes the event will generate significant public interest and contribute to Newport’s reputation as a vibrant cultural and environmental center.
In the project proposal, Reimer wrote, “We believe this impactful display has the potential to generate significant public interest and contribute to Newport’s reputation as a vibrant cultural and environmental center.”
Newport City Council unanimously approved the proposal.
For more information on this project, visit https://thegreatelephantmigration.org/.
Proposal for The Great Elephant Migration Art Installation
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
Love this information re nearby activities! Keep up the good work!!
Thank you for providing solid information about Newport. We first visited last Fall and look forward to our next visit in August. Everyone we met the first time was so welcoming and kind. I was promoted to say that we Southerners could learn a thing or two about Hospitality from these Northerners. The Audrain was a marvel to us and the historic aspects of the city are over the top. Thanks again.