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Track Premiere: Black Elephant – “The Fall of the Gods”

There’s no such animal as a black elephant. There are African elephants and Asian elephants—which are both pretty grey—but no black elephants. A “black elephant” is a quasi-scientific term for a predicted disaster that is ignored .  Black Elephant is also the name of an Italian stoner/fuzz rock quartet—Alessio Caravelli (guitar,/vocals), Massimiliano Giacosa (guitar), Francesco Glielmi (bass), Simone Brunzu (drums)—whose latest single, “The Fall Of The Gods,” we’re premiering here. This slow-building groover is a laconic, meditative trip into the cosmos aboard a pulsing rhythm section and echoing, fuzzed-out psychedelic guitars. It’s also the lead-off and title track to the band’s third full-length album.

The Fall of the Gods was recorded, mixed and mastered by Mattia Cominotto at Greenfog Studio, while the vinyl mastering was done by Chris Goosman at Baseline Audio Labs. It’s set for release October 18 via Small Stone on CD and digital formats as well as limited edition vinyl—250 units pressed in the USA via Small Stone and 250 units pressed in Germany by Kozmik Artifactz. You can place your preorder here .

Here’s what guitarist/vocalist Alessio Caravelli had to say about the track:

“‘The Fall of the Gods’ represents the slow fall of the world, which is crumbling as the love of two lovers who are attending the end of everything—standing still—indulge in a last gaze before the oblivion.”

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About black elephant.

Black Elephant is a group founded 14 years ago in 2010 in Savona, Italy.

Based on our research data, it appears, that the first Black Elephant concert happened 15 years ago on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 in The Smell - Los Angeles (LA), US and that the last Black Elephant concert was 8 months ago on Thu, 25 Jan 2024 in Planet Desert Rock Weekend IV 2024 - Las Vegas, US.

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BLACK ELEPHANT: Psychedelic Fuzz Rock Unit To Release Cosmic Blues Full-Length Via Small Stone This July; New Track Streaming + Preorders Available

Posted on May 18, 2018 Author admin

Italian psychedelic fuzz rock unit BLACK ELEPHANT will release their third full-length, and first under the Small Stone Records banner, titled Cosmic Blues , this July.

One would be hard-pressed to come up with a better descriptor for BLACK ELEPHANT ‘s Cosmic Blues full-length than the title of the album itself. Based in Savona, Italy, the four-piece have conjured ghosts of ’70s heavy fuzz and ’90s riff mongering offering up a sonic brew that’s both potent and thoroughly modern. Cosmic Blues follows 2014’s Bifolchi Inside and 2012’s Spaghetti Cowboys (get it?) and marks their debut on Small Stone Records. Comprised of lead vocalist/lead guitarist Alessio Caravelli, rhythm guitarist Massimiliano Giacosa, bassist Marcello Destefanis, and drummer Simone Brunzu, BLACK ELEPHANT makes their mark in their home country’s booming heavy rock underground with memorable songs and a sound that’s just as comfortable getting funky on “Chase Me” as it is re-imagining Soundgarden as a riff rock outfit à la peak-era Dozer, rolling out huge grooves en route to “Cosmic Blues For Solitary Moose,” loaded with fuzz and scorching solos.

Given a brisk, live sound in its production – fitting for a group with hundreds of shows under their collective belt – Cosmic Blues comes across natural and at times maintains the intensity of BLACK ELEPHANTS ‘ earlier work (closer “Inno” walks by and waves), while simultaneously exploring more spacious realms in the not-a-cover “Helter Skelter” and the takeoff jammer “Baby Eroina,” which eases into and out of its nodding rhythm with a smoothness worthy of a group’s third album and a fluidity that typifies the record’s entire thirty-four-minute run. Leaving their own tracks in the footsteps of bands like Small Stone’s own Isaak, BLACK ELEPHANT hits a new level of craft with Cosmic Blues , and if the righteous drive of opener “Cosmic Soul,” the flowing progression of the LP that ensues, and the name they’ve given the whole affair are anything to go by, they know it for sure. All the better

BLACK ELEPHANT ‘s Cosmic Blues was recorded and mixed by Giulio Farinelli, mastered by Maurizio Giannotti, and cames wrapped in the cover design of Robin Gnista. The record will see release on July 20th on CD, digitally, and limited edition purple vinyl.

For preorders, go to the Small Stone Bandcamp page at THIS LOCATION . Sample opening track, “Cosmic Soul,” below.

Cosmic Blues Track Listing: 1. Cosmic Soul 2. Helter Skelter 3. Chase Me 4. Walking Dead 5. Baby Eroina 6. Cosmic Blues For Solitary Moose 7. Inno

BLACK ELEPHANT is: Alessio Caravelli – lead vocals, lead guitar Massimiliano Giacosa – rhythm guitar Marcello Destefanis – bass guitar Simone Brunzu – drums

https://www.facebook.com/blackelephantitaly http://www.smallstone.com http://www.facebook.com/smallstonerecords

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BLACK ELEPHANT

One would be hard-pressed to come up with a better descriptor for Black Elephant’s Cosmic Blues than the title of the album itself. Based in Savona, Italy, the four-piece have conjured ghosts of ‘70s heavy and masterful ‘90s riffmongering to offer a brew both potent and thoroughly modern. Cosmic Blues is their third album behind 2014’s Bifolchi Inside and 2012’s Spaghetti Cowboys (get it?) and marks their debut on Small Stone Records.

Comprised of lead vocalist/lead guitarist Alessio Caravelli, rhythm guitarist Massimiliano Giacosa, bassist Marcello Destefanis and drummer Simone Brunzu, Black Elephant make their mark in their home country’s booming heavy rock underground with memorable songs and a sound that’s just as comfortable getting funky on “Chase Me” as it is reimagining Soundgarden as a riff rock outfit à la peak-era Dozer, rolling out huge grooves en route to “Cosmic Blues for Solitary Moose,” loaded with fuzz and scorching solos.

Given a brisk, live sound in its production – fitting for a group with hundreds of shows under their collective belt – Cosmic Blues comes across natural and at times maintains the intensity of Black Elephants’ earlier work (closer “Inno” walks by and waves), while simultaneously exploring more spacious realms in the not-a-cover “Helter Skelter” and the takeoff jammer “Baby Eroina,” which eases into and out of its nodding rhythm with a smoothness worthy of a group’s third album and a fluidity that typifies the record’s entire 34-minute run.

Leaving their own tracks in the footsteps of bands like Small Stone’s own Isaak, Black Elephant hit a new level of craft with Cosmic Blues, and if the righteous drive of opener “Cosmic Soul,” the flowing progression of the LP that ensues, and the name they’ve given the whole affair are anything to go by, they know it for sure. All the better.

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Join Capital B, Republic for Phoenix stop of the 'Black Political Power Tour'

The Arizona Republic is partnering with Capital B , a news outlet focused on serving Black people and communities, to host the Phoenix stop of its Black Political Power Tour.

The Phoenix event will be the fourth in a nationwide series that started in Oakland, California, and has included visits to Atlanta and Philadelphia. The tour will also travel to Milwaukee, Detroit and Charlotte, North Carolina.

“While Black voters are not a monolith, we’re a hugely important and complex factor in a presidential election — particularly in the battleground states,” said Lauren Williams, chief executive officer and co-founder of Capital B. “Our coverage looks to pinpoint the issues that matter most to Black voters, highlight the stakes of different election outcomes for Black communities, and illuminate where our power is being eroded and where Black leadership is on the rise.” 

The free event in Phoenix will feature two panel discussions.

The first, "Transforming Political Power: The Impact of Growing Black Communities in Phoenix," will examine the effects that the increase in Phoenix's Black population has had on elections, communities and the political landscape. Panelists will include Brian Watson, a politically involved Black newcomer to Phoenix; state Rep. Quantá Crews, D-Phoenix; and Rashad Shabazz, a professor of African American studies and geography at Arizona State University. Capital B journalist Adam Mahoney will moderate.

The second, "Who owns Black history in Arizona classrooms?" will consider how local elections influence what kids learn. Panelists will include Lindsay Love, a former member of the Chandler Unified School District Governing Board; Dana Scott, Arizona Republic sports writer and parent; Cloves Campbell Jr., Arizona Informant publisher and former state representative; and Tremaine Jasper, the owner and managing editor of PhxSoul.com . Arizona Republic columnist Greg Moore will moderate.

In addition to the panel discussions, the event will feature community resources and networking.

How to attend Capital B's Black Political Power Tour event in Phoenix

Date: Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024

Time: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Panel discussions will begin at 6:30 p.m. Before and after the panel discussions, attendees will be able to visit resource tables and network.

Location: The Oasis at 2828, 2828 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004 (southwest corner of Central Avenue and Thomas Road)

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-political-power-tour-phoenix-az-tickets-885187679177

Reach Kara Edgerson at [email protected] .

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Cage the Elephant  

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Cage The Elephant are an alternative rock band from Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA, who formed in 2006. They are known for raucous live shows and eclectic alt. rock that takes influence from classic rock, the blues, funk and indie rock.

There is a crippling irony that comes with lamenting the death of guitar music. The gist of it is that every bunch of hand wringing fools wailing that rock music is dead or dying are comparing todays rock scene with their interpretation of the rock scene of a decade ago.

However, even with all their looking backwards, they aren’t able to see that there have always been people like them complaining that rock and roll music is dead. Just as there are always going to be great rock bands around that the next generation of hand wringing fools will wish they were around to see in their prime.

Cage The Elephant are proof that true rock and roll is in as rude health as it’s ever been. They have everything, the riffs, the songs, the attitude and the out of control live shows that make your average rock band into legends.

Coming on like The Pixies covering the Allman Brothers, the band have taken their uncompromising rock and wrought a gold album out of it (in the form of their self-titled debut), the patronage of the likes of U2, and concerts supporting The Black Keys and the Foo Fighters.

The latter of which led to one of the most memorable gigs of their career. When drummer Jared Champion’s appendix burst before a concert supporting Dave Grohl’s band at the Los Angeles Forum, Grohl himself stepped up and filled in on drums in front of an audience of nearly eighteen thousand.

No band who hasn’t earned their stripes gets an opportunity like that. If it’s good enough for Grohl, it’s good enough for any self-respecting rocker, and their story has only just begun.

Live reviews

I bought my ticket as soon as they went on sale last year and I was excitedly waiting since that moment.

When I got there, I worked my way to the front and stood at the barrier just to the right of the stage directly in front of the speakers. It was almost the perfect place, with a great view of the stage, although I couldn't hear anything the next day because the speakers were so loud. (It was definitely worth it though!)

The opening act, Chrome Pony, were pretty good and they warmed the crowd up for the main event. I'm sure they have a bright future ahead of them.

Then Cage the Elephant came onstage. The crowd immediately began jumping and singing along to Cry Baby, off of their new album. The energetic crowd continued throughout as lead singer Matt Schulz jumped into the crowd and danced his way through fan favourite songs like In One Ear and Spiderhead.

All of the fans urged them back on for an encore when they left the stage - and what an encore it was. They played a couple of softer songs, Shake Me Down (a personal favourite of mine) and Cigarette Daydreams before Schulz left the stage again. A few seconds later he returned shirtless and began to crowdsurf as the band finished playing the hard-hitting Sabertooth Tiger. Schulz managed to crowdsuf his way to the balcony (with a bit of help from me) and finished the show by diving off of the balcony to be caught by the legions of adoring fans below.

All in all, a perfect gig from my favourite band. They played a lot of their new album, Tell Me I'm Pretty, but also made sure that they played all of the old fan favourites too. The atmosphere was electric throughout, with fans jumping in time and singing along to all of the songs and Matt Schulz may be the most energetic and entertaining frontman in rock music at the moment.

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We went to Reading Festival in 2014 to see Arctic Monkeys. We decided to check out some of the other bands playing to make the best of it. Cage the Elephant were among those bands and we liked their songs so we went to see them. It was a good show and one thing about it that stood out the most was how lead singer Matt Schultz joins the crowd.

This time, we went to see them at The Gorge Amphitheater. The drive was long, we were charged for extra miles, the beer was very expensive, we couldn't find anything decent to eat and we paid for better parking (unnecessarily, as we later found out) but we're probably not going to remember all that as this might have been one of the best concerts we've been to so far. I really like Cage the Elephant but they're not one of my top favorite bands and yet we had so much fun at that concert. They're so good live. I know I'm repeating myself but it was so fun, I wasn't sure if my face was numb because of the beer or from smiling throughout the show.

They mostly played songs off their last two albums and just one from their first and one from their second, but I didn't feel like anything was missing (even though great songs like "Right Before My Eyes" were left out). Just as in that Reading concert, singer Matt Shultz mixed in with many parts of the crowd a lot. We had good seats but we weren't that close to the stage and yet at some point I have been almost within arm's reach of him. On stage, he was acting kind of strange and definitely dancing and moving a lot. That was quite entertaining. His brother, guitarist Brad Schultz, also mixes in with the crowd. They also had flames on stage even though his mother's words echo "baby don't you play with fire" (from Too Late to Say Goodbye).

I hope my next chance to see them live arrives soon.

I have been following Cage the Elephant since they were a small, local band in Bowling Green, KY. I saw several of their shows before they “blew up” and what struck me was how much they reminded me of early 90s grunge bands.

I saw them again in 2012 in Bowling Green and not a lot has changed in regard to their live show, except for the normal maturation that comes with age and experience. Their shows are an energizing old school rock concert. It is five guys on stage pouring their hearts and souls into the rock music that they love.

Matt Schultz sings and, at times, screams, with every ounce of power in his body. He is one of the few singers working today who has mastered the art of the seamlessly transitioning from quietly singing to exploding with loud, frenetic energy in a matter of seconds.

I have loved the Cage the Elephant shows that I have been to. I made sure to get there early and get to the front of the mosh pit. Matt Schultz interacts with the crowd and the energy near the stage is always most exciting. Schultz also has a reputation for crowd surfing and has done it at all of the shows I have been to. Be prepared to catch him when he leaps, because it is almost guaranteed to happen.

Whether it is through their musical performance on stage or carrying their lead singer through the crowd, a Cage the Elephant show will not disappoint.

You don't even understand the sick passion that I have for CTE. I love them so much and they give it their all every concert. I saw them 3 times this year. Once at Terminal 5. I was second row in GA and I got to know Brad personally simply because this man jumped ontop of me haha. I fell back and so did my friends but I was still holding him and I couldn't help but laugh because HOLY GODD BRAD SHULTZ IS CROWD SURFING ONTOP OF MEEE!! Matt loves the crowd and is always jumping in and standing up on them.

I saw them again in NJ at the Starland Ballroom. That was great too. It was such a small venue that no matter where you were standing you felt as if he is singing directly to you. I love the crowd too, they're so nice. That concert was fantastic and the lighting was beautiful!

I also saw them at the Barclay's Center opening for The Black Keys. Once again Matt is running around on stage and putting on this crazy show. The band themselves play amazing music that puts me in this trance that words cannot describe what it feels like. No matter what mood I'm in I'm listening to them. They are just too good. Ridiculously amazing I mean. I feel like I know them personally just form how many times I've seen them and I will be attending their shows for the rest of my life. Does that answer your question?

I saw Cage the elephant at the upstate concert hall in clifton park. A horrible place for a concert to say the least, and I was a bit queasy that the concert might not turn out to be 'that awesome'. Boy! I was, fortunately, so wrong and the event turned out to be fantastic - probably on par or even a little better than the Arctic Monkeys at the MSG earlier this year! Need I say more! The sound of the band was fantastic and the songs sounded even better during the live show than the recordings. Matt Shultz is the most energetic performer I have ever seen. They performed for an hour and some more and each song packed in so much punch and energy with Matt doing his crazy , entire body rocking dance. Almost every other song he was crowd surfing while other folks in the audience were crowd surfing around him. Totally crazy and fun! 'Back Against The Wall' was probably the highlight of the entire performance with every person in the crowd jumping and rocking out with yours truly having gone completely nuts with his energy sapping, thumping rock dance. The end of the show was truly amazing with Matt's head almost touching the ceiling! Instead of jumping into the crowd this time, he was standing upright being held by the crowd above their heads. Truly a head bowing (and neck breaking) performance!

This concert was AMAZING. I have been a fan since 2008 and have been dying to see them since, I would dream about how perfect the band would be live, read reviews from other people who have been and with every day of waiting my hopes got higher and higher for this concert. It EXCEEDED even my wildest dreams about how brilliant it was. The passion, the rhythm, the energy, the light show, it all worked together in the most beautiful harmony. It also happened to be Bradley's birthday and it was so beautiful to see how much of a fuss his brother made about him. I love the fact that they are so human as well, not afraid to get down and dirty with the crowd. During the first song and many others after, Brad just jumped off of the stage and alternated crowd surfing and just shredding while surrounded in the crowd. It was amazing with a perfect song line up and a 20 minute encore including everyone singing happy birthday to Brad. If you're on the fence about seeing Cage the Elephant live, don't. Even the pure energy is enough to make the experience worth it.

I have only seen videos of grunge bands in the early 90s performing in small venues. The show that Cage the Elephant put on at Mercy Lounge on June 24, 2014, the crowd & band interaction were infectious, the music was incredible, and the band was into the show from the first drum beat.

The Mercy holds around 500 people for standing room only & the show was sold out. This small venue and crowd size increased the fervor of action and interaction. Cage's lead singer, Matthew Shultz, was sweating as soon as he hit the stage and he and the entire band played like they had nowhere important to be the next day. They performed for over an hour and a half and hit all that songs one would want, like "Shake Me Down", "Ain't not Rest for the Wicked", "Come a Little Closer", & "In One Ear".

If you can catch Cage in any venue, it should be a show to remember. But if you can see them in a smaller venue like the Mercy, it will be a show you talk about for days to come.

I almost missed the first support, caught the last track only. 2nd support SWMRS were energetic young punks. Did their job OK, some of the tracks were catchy.

A good wait for Cage to come on. But it was worth the wait.

A very very good set. Plenty of energy from the band, especially the Schultz brothers, including a stage dive each, and Matt finishing one song while standing on the hands of the audience.

Music and vocals were spot on. I was near the front and so did not see much of the audience, but there seemed to be massive buzz n the air.

Seeing these guys was on the top of my list of must sees. As a child of the 60s I have seen plenty of concerts, this was definitely up with the best of them. I left well satisfied.

The venue was good too. A step above the soulless, cavernous space of the Leeds arena.

You know when you've heard of a band, and you know like 2-3 songs of theirs but aren't sure if you like them or not.. Cage the Elephant was that way for me. I definitely had mixed feelings about them at first, but after seeing them live, wow. They changed my mind instantly. Not only do they sound exactly the same live as they do on the radio or on their albums, but they know how to put on a show! From the moment they walked onto stage they had me hooked. Now I'm looking more into them and love just about everything I'm hearing so far. Seeing them live has potentially given me a new favorite band! If you haven't dove into cage the elephant.. Quit waiting around. Their music is fantastically written and wonderfully performed. Do yourself a favor, check em out and see them live!

What a show! it was amazing and out of this world. I do like Cage the Elephant, but I did not know I LOVE Cage the Elephant until Matt Schultz came on stage and did his hip writhing, he just had so much energy and that writhing, I need to live in that hip movement. The crowd was really lively and there was crowd surfing and jumping on stage and Matt and the rest of the guys just went with it.

Everyone should see a Cage the Elephant show to feel that euphoria that happens when a a band is truly electrifying on stage, and Cage the Elephant is electrifying.

Cage the Elephant was part of a four band performance for a tour called Spring Splash that included Bear Hands, Foals, and Silversun Pickups. By far the best performers of the night.

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Cage the Elephant tour dates and tickets 2024-2025 near you

Want to see Cage the Elephant in concert? Find information on all of Cage the Elephant’s upcoming concerts, tour dates and ticket information for 2024-2025.

Cage the Elephant is not due to play near your location currently - but they are scheduled to play 3 concerts across 2 countries in 2024-2025. View all concerts.

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100 Life-Sized Indian Elephant Sculptures Embark on Symbolic U.S. Journey in “The Great Elephant Migration”

Starting in Newport, The Public Art Project Aims to Raise Millions for Conservation Efforts Around the World

Elephant Family  is dedicated to protecting Asia’s magnificent wildlife— today unveiling the U.S. phase of The Great Elephant Migration. This marks the first time the traveling public art exhibition and fundraising initiative will arrive stateside, with a 3,500-mile Migration of 100 elephant sculptures set to travel to Newport, New York City, Miami, Blackfeet Nation, Buffalo Pastures in Browning, Montana, and Los Angeles through 2025.

An international collaboration between Indigenous artisans, contemporary artists, and cultural institutions, The Great Elephant Migration aims to support Indigenous-led conservation efforts and inspire peaceful human and animal coexistence.

Each elephant in the 100-strong herd has been created by The Coexistence Collective, a community of 200 indigenous artisans from the Bettakurumba, Paniya, Kattunayakan and Soliga communities of India’s Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Tamil Nadu.

The collective has recreated every elephant they live alongside in intricately detailed sculptural form. The elephants are made from Lantana camara, one of the world’s top invasive weeds, which encroaches upon over 40% of India’s protected areas. Furthermore, each elephant is twinned with a conservation NGO in the USA and beyond whose work will directly benefit from the sale of their sculpture.

“In the last 40 years, the human population of India has doubled to 1.4 billion, which has coincided with an increase in the number of elephants, rhinos, lions, and tigers in the country,” says Coexistence Collective Co-Founder and Elephant Family Trustee Ruth Ganesh. “The extraordinary success of this compassionate coexistence is a testament to the power of collective empathy. Our magnificent herd is here to tell its story, inspiring the human race to share space and be part of this transformative movement.”

Following an expansive UK tour in the summer of 2021, which attracted 5 million spectators in total, the herd is now set to embark on a one-year campaign across the United States, spreading joy and wonder, reaching new audiences with its messages, and engaging environmental partners along the way.

The U.S. Migration is presented by Art&Newport, a nonprofit art organization that brings international artists and art to Newport, founded by Dodie Kazanjian. The Migration will commence on July 4th in Newport alongside a series of multidisciplinary art installations by artist Hadi Falapishi and curated by Kazanjian. Falapishi will create an expansive body of work specifically for this project, which will be displayed at several of the town’s most storied mansions and historic sites, including the Solarium at Rough Point Museum, the Great Friends Meeting House, and the great hall at The Breakers. The herd of 100 elephants will be dispersed and installed just outside these locations, creating a dialogue with Falapishi’s work and a remarkable and immersive experience for visitors.

“The vision of 100 hand-made Indian elephants migrating across America, in my mind, is a monumental, cinematic, and moving work of performance art,” says Art&Newport founder Dodie Kazanjian. “I could not think of a project more aligned with the mission and values of Art&Newport, and we are so honored to be the first location in the U.S. to engage with this work.”

During July and August, a majority of the herd will be installed at Salve Regina University, accessible from the Cliff Walk, near historic McAuley Hall. Salve’s student “Cliff Walk Ambassadors” will act as docents in the Cliff Walk area surrounding the campus to educate tourists about the initiative as part of their community immersion coursework.

After Newport, the elephants will migrate to New York City’s Meatpacking District, arriving on September 6. Programming and activations will continue into late October, allowing visitors to experience the elephants at key gateways and plazas throughout the neighborhood. In December, in collaboration with Faena Art and The Reef Line, with support from Xerjoff, the Italian fragrance company, the elephants will make their way to Miami for Art Week, where further programming and artist interventions will take place, to be announced soon.

Following installations on the East Coast, the herd will make its way west for the final leg of the Migration from the Buffalo Pastures of Blackfeet Nation, Montana into Los Angeles. This journey will involve a convoy of 100 jeeps adorned with Indian lorry art, each towing a single elephant sculpture. From rugged mountains and breathtaking vistas to the vibrant streets of L.A., this journey will symbolize the experience of migratory animals in a human-dominated world.

The Great Elephant Migration is made possible with support from the Official Merchandise Partner and Sponsor of the Newport exhibition: LOVE BRAND & Co. The go-to purveyor of effortlessly chic beachwear for the family and with a greater purpose, LOVE BRAND & Co. will be supporting the Newport exhibition with a pop-up shop of elephant-themed clothing and merchandise. The Great Elephant Migration is also made possible by logistical support from IBI International Fine Art Logistics.

Elephants have matriarchal structures, with each herd led by an older, experienced female, so it is only natural that The Great Elephant Migration is a women-led conservation effort. The Matriarchy is a group of influential women across diverse fields, including environmentalists, philanthropists, storytellers and creatives, which will rally support for human-wildlife coexistence throughout the Migration. Members of the Matriarchy include Cher, Kristin Davis, Dr. Sylvia Earle, and more to be announced.

The Great Elephant Migration is supporting a large-scale initiative to shred vast areas of Lantana from India’s Protected Areas and convert it into biochar. By the end of 2025, they will have sequestered 2625 tons of carbon and created more than 500 jobs for Indigenous communities through this effort. The total estimated carbon emissions for the creation, shipping and transportation of the herd is between 250 and 400 tons, depending on the exact vehicles used. A detailed carbon projection report will be available at the beginning of the Migration and a complete carbon emission and sequestration audit will be published at the end of the Migration.

The Great Elephant Migration supports conservation NGOs around the world who have found ways to live alongside lions, leopards, elephants, and some of the planet’s most vulnerable animals.

For more information about the Migration or to buy an elephant, please visit www.thegreatelephantmigration.org

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100 elephants are moving across the U.S. — a herd of life-size replicas

Chloe Veltman

June 24, 2024: 100 life-size elephant sculptures made by artisans in Tamil Nadu, India, arrive in Newport, R.I., via the Port of New York — the first stop on a year-long, cross-country journey. Sebastian Meyer, Courtesy Elephant Family USA and Newport Restoration Foundation. hide caption

Visitors will be able to get close to — and even touch — 100 life-size sculptures of Indian elephants which are beginning a cross-country journey.

The Great Elephant Migration traveling art exhibition aims to spread awareness about conservation efforts.

The herd consists of replicas of real-life elephants personally known to The Coexistence Collective — the community of around 200 artisans in southern India who made them.

Conceived a decade ago by The Coexistence Collective together with Elephant Family USA , a nonprofit that helps protect Indian wildlife, the sculptures were first shown in London and India before coming to the U.S.

The herd can be seen in Newport, R.I., through early September. From there they will head to New York City, Miami, the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana and finally Los Angeles.

The organization is planning to sell the elephants off to raise funds for 22 conservation organizations around the country as the tour progresses. Organizers said 30 sculptures had already been sold off, with prices ranging from $8,000 for a baby elephant to $22,000 for the largest tusked specimen.

In Newport, the proceeds will go to Save the Bay , which works to remove invasive weeds from local salt marshes in order to help restore the salt marsh sparrow population.

Turning an invasive weed into an art material

The enormous, life-like sculptures are made out of lantana camara — a tough, invasive weed that’s been encroaching heavily upon the elephants’ natural forest habitat, pushing the animals onto tea and coffee plantations where they live in much closer proximity to humans.

"Lantana has displaced animals across huge areas, because it takes over from herbs and shrubs that are edible for animals," said Tarsh Thekaekara, a wildlife conservationist specializing in human-elephant relations who's connected with the Great Elephant Migration project. "40 to 50% of many parks in India are taken over by Lantana."

From elephants in India to coyote and raccoons in the U.S.

Elephant Family USA trustee and Coexistence Collective cofounder Ruth Ganesh said that even though the exhibition has traveled internationally, it was always conceived with the U.S. in mind, because Americans already understand what it means to share urban environments with wild animals like coyote and raccoons.

The elephants on display in Newport, R.I. Corey Favino, Courtesy Elephant Family USA and Newport Restoration Foundation. hide caption

"You have such an array of wildlife where there are genuine coexistence challenges," said Ganesh. "So this exhibition about elephants coexisting with humans brings the issue to life."

She hopes visitors will learn more about how important it is for animals and humans to negotiate shared space, as more places become uninhabitable for both owing to direct human destruction and the impacts of human-caused climate change.