The sustainable development story of the great elephant migration

The editor-in-chief of Convene captured the elephant being transported to New York.

I recently took part in the Great Elephant Migration. I was stuck in traffic on a Connecticut highway one evening in early September when a herd of life-sized elephant sculptures strapped to a flatbed truck pulled up next to us. They were making their way from Newport, Rhode Island, to New York City, where 100 of them were on display in the Meatpacking District. I had seen signs for the elephant installation on previous visits to Newport and had read about the exhibition touring the United States, so while I was surprised to see the elephants suddenly appear in the next lane, I was glad I had them in the background.

The Great Elephant Migration is a stunning outdoor exhibition that tells a sustainable story. Made by 200 indigenous artisans in southern India who share space with wild elephants, these elephants convey the need to coexist with other animals as our growing human population encroaches on their habitat. They are made from Lantana, a toxic weed that suppresses the growth of vegetation that elephants and other animals need to survive. Clearing the forest of this invasive plant not only gives the elephants their graceful, reed-like appearance, it also helps restore nature’s delicate balance.

I may have missed my chance to stroll with elephants in Newport, but New York City, here I come.

The Great Elephant Migration passes through Newport, Rhode Island, before heading to New York City. (Image credit: BrakeThrough Media)

Michelle Russell is convened.

CBS Sunday Morning