“It started as an idea that spontaneously appeared in my mind: Why not create a group of 100 elephants and have them journey across America?” explains Ruth Ganesh, an animal welfare advocate, preservationist, and supporter of the arts originally from the UK. Since relocating to the United States, she found herself contemplating the Route 66 nationwide trip. However, she had an additional query: “Is it possible for these elephants to be constructed using only eco-friendly materials?”
Ganesh’s notion transformed into a joyful, mobile art display when she partnered with Tarsh Thekaekara—an animal expert and conservationist from India who has extensively examined elephant conduct. New York is the upcoming stage in its national exhibition. “The Great Elephant Migration” will be featured in the Meatpacking District until October 20.
The elephant artworks are full-scale, inspired by actual cows (female elephants), bulls (male elephants), tuskers (male elephants with tusks), and adorable young calves, all crafted from dried lantana plants—an invasive species that suppresses indigenous plant life, diminishes ecological diversity, and threatens wildlife habitats. (This was advised by Thekaekara as he collaborates with native communities in India for crafting furniture from the plant.)