The Great Elephant Migration

The magnificent family of life-sized Indian elephant sculptures, modeled after real elephants displayed on the front lawn of Harbor View Hotel arrived on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. The elephant family includes Rajesh (Rah jay sh), a towering 9-foot-tall male; Chitra (Ch ih t r ah), the matriarch; and Jothi (Joh-tee), the playful calf. They have traveled across the globe as part of The Great Elephant Migration, a global fundraising initiative aimed at amplifying indigenous knowledge and promoting harmony between humans and wildlife. Weighing up to 800 pounds, the sculptures are crafted from lantana camara, an invasive weed that threatens elephant habitats in India.

The sculptures were purchased by Harbor View Hotel owner Bernard Chiu, as a gesture of support for this important cause. “We are honored to provide a home for Rajesh, Chitra, and Jothi,” said Chiu. “They represent not only the beauty of these majestic creatures but also a larger mission: to inspire communities around the world to coexist with wildlife and help preserve the delicate balance of our planet’s ecosystems.” After an extensive journey from India to London, the elephant family arrived in Newport, RI, where they were welcomed by Chiu on July 1, 2024. Now, as they settle into Martha’s Vineyard as beloved ‘wash-ashores,’ they serve as poignant symbols of the interconnectedness between humans and wildlife. The elephants will be on display on the Harbor View Hotel’s front lawn, providing a unique and thought-provoking experience for guests and the community.