As the summer weather rolled in, so did The Great Elephant Migration at Jackson Hole. After a successful run in Houston, Texas, our 32 life-sized elephant sculptures landed in Wyoming on May 17th at The National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States (NMWA). I mean, we couldn’t have asked for a better fit for our fundraising adventure.
“We are thrilled to welcome the elephants to our Sculpture Trail. Our permanent collection houses over 5,000 artworks, representing wild animals from around the world. The elephants add an element of wonder to the Sculpture Trail, and the public is already raving about them.”
- NMWA Executive Director Steve Seamons.
Big Feet, Bigger Mission
For those of you new to the project (firstly, welcome!), The Great Elephant Migration began in Rhode Island in July 2024. The charity project involves a herd of elephant sculptures travelling around the US to raise awareness for human-wildlife coexistence and support conservation NGOs around the world. From New York to Miami, the elephants have travelled far and wide before preparing for their upcoming final hurrah in Los Angeles in July 2025.
Each sculpture is crafted using Lantana camara, a toxic weed ranked as the second most invasive species in the world. The spread of Lantana forces wildlife, such as elephants, out of their forest homes and into urban areas, significantly increasing the risk of human-wildlife conflict. The project helps to clear this weed and raise awareness of its harmful effects.
Where Elk, Marmots, and Elephants Meet
Wyoming was the perfect fit for a stop for our elephant, driving home the message of true coexistence and permeability of wild spaces. Our herd was located on the museum’s sculpture trail, designed by award-winning architect Walter Hood. The ¾ mile trail winds up sage sage-covered hillside, home to a vibrant ecosystem of wildlife, from mule deer and elk to badgers and marmots.
Pack Your Trunks (With Merch)
As the official merchandise partner of The Great Elephant Migration, we had a trusty pop-up in the museum foyer. We had a fantastic time getting to see all of your smiling faces. As always, 50% of all sales on all G.E.M merchandise and 10% of sales on a capsule of LOVE BRAND & Co. are donated to Elephant Family USA. If you missed out on bagging some keep-sakes in person, you can support the cause by shopping the collection here.
To celebrate the herd’s Wyoming takeover, the NMWA hosted a free community celebration on May 30th, which saw locals and tourists alike come together to welcome the herd. Acclaimed Blackfeet painter and ledger artist Terrance Guardipee led a blessing celebration, which has become a much-loved tradition on the road trip.
The Great Elephant Send-Off
While half of our 100-strong elephant herd was busy charming the crowds in Jackson Hole, the other half was making magic in Montana. They took centre stage in Blackfeet Nation thanks to our incredible partners at INDIGENOUS LED. On 26th June, the full herd was joyfully reunited, ready to hit the road for an unforgettable adventure.
The herd are now embarking on a 1,000-mile, carbon-offset road trip to Los Angeles, winding through Salt Lake City, Zion National Park, Las Vegas, and Joshua Tree. Conservation leaders, NGO trailblazers, matriarchs, and Indigenous representatives from Blackfeet Nation, Kenya, India, and beyond will join the journey.
The elephants will travel in a decorated fleet inspired by vibrant Indian Lorry art. This final stretch is both a moving artwork and a ceremonial act, fusing Indigenous knowledge, contemporary design, and sacred storytelling to honour the migratory journeys of animals in a human-shaped world.
Images by Madison Webb & Pter Lobozzo, courtesy of The National Museum of Wildlife Art.
