News Summary
Beverly Hills will host an exhibition featuring 100 life-size elephant sculptures in Beverly Gardens Park from July 1 to August 1. This exhibit, a donation from the Great Elephant Migration, aims to raise funds for NGOs focused on human-wildlife conflicts. The city council unanimously backed this initiative, which will also promote ecological awareness and conservation efforts through these artistic displays, crafted from an invasive plant species.
Beverly Hills to Showcase 100 Life-Size Elephant Sculptures for July Exhibition
The city of Beverly Hills will host an exhibition featuring 100 life-size sculptures of Indian elephants in Beverly Gardens Park from July 1 to August 1, 2023. This exhibit, a temporary donation from the Great Elephant Migration, aims to raise funds for 21 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on resolving human-wildlife conflicts.
The proposal for this event was officially presented to the Beverly Hills City Council on May 21, where it received unanimous support. Mayor Sharona Nazarian expressed appreciation for the exhibition, highlighting its potential to raise awareness about significant environmental issues.
This impressive collection of elephant sculptures has previously traveled across North America, with stops in cities such as New York City, Miami, Houston, Wyoming, and Montana. The journey of these sculptures commenced in July 2022 in Newport, Rhode Island, emphasizing their mission to promote wildlife conservation.
Exhibition Details
The sculptures depict realistic representations of elephants currently migrating across the Nilgiri Hills in southern India. Each piece has been crafted from Lantana Camara, an invasive plant species in India that poses a threat to animal habitats. By using this material, the exhibit aims to foster awareness on the importance of ecological balance and sustainability.
During the exhibition, the sculptures will be strategically arranged across landscaped park lawns along several blocks of Santa Monica Boulevard. To ensure safety and security, the exhibition will be monitored by two security guards during nighttime, with volunteer assistance provided throughout the day.
Impact and Community Involvement
All proceeds from the sale of the elephant sculptures will directly benefit the participating NGOs, which work on issues related to human-wildlife conflict. This initiative aims to amplify Indigenous knowledge and encourage a shared existence between humans and wildlife. The Beverly Gardens Park exhibition site was specifically chosen for its ecological significance, which aligns closely with the ongoing Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing project designed to facilitate animal movement across the 101 Freeway.
The exhibition will incur no costs to the city of Beverly Hills, as it is fully funded by the Great Elephant Migration, which has also agreed to cover all transportation and installation fees. The city waived installation fees, further facilitating the project’s realization.
Upcoming Community Preview
A community preview event will take place on June 30, offering local residents the first opportunity to view the exhibition ahead of its official opening. This preview is intended to engage the community and foster discussions around conservation and ecological awareness.
The Great Elephant Migration initiative has received enthusiastic public endorsements, including several letters of support submitted to the city. This collective backing underscores the event’s significance within the community and its contribution to advancing conservation efforts.
The Beverly Hills exhibition not only showcases artistic talent but also serves as a powerful reminder of the vital need to coexist with wildlife while promoting ecological responsibility.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Beverly Press: Elephants Will Migrate Across Beverly Hills
- Wikipedia: Elephants
- Beverly Hills Courier: Mr. Brainwash Unveils Imagiro on Rodeo Drive
- Google Search: Elephant Conservation
- Beverly Press: Mr. Brainwash Creates Metal Origami on Rodeo Drive
- Google Scholar: Human-Wildlife Conflict
- Wikipedia: Wildlife Conservation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildlife Conservation
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
