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LIFE-SIZED INDIAN ELEPHANT SCULPTURES FROM THE GREAT ELEPHANT MIGRATION ART EXHIBIT ARRIVE AT HARBOR VIEW HOTEL
EDGARTOWN, MA, September 25, 2024 — A magnificent family of life-sized Indian elephant sculptures from The Great Elephant Migration will arrive on Martha’s Vineyard on September 25th aboard the 12 p.m. Steamship Ferry from Woods Hole to Oak Bluffs. From there, they will make their way to the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown. These stunning sculptures, modeled after real elephants, will be displayed on the front lawn of the Harbor View Hotel, overlooking Edgartown Harbor. The elephant family includes Rajesh, a towering 9-foot-tall male; Chitra, the matriarch; and Jothi, 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 remain on display on the Harbor View Hotel’s front lawn, providing a unique and thought-provoking experience for guests and the community. They will be visible to the public from North Water Street and to Harbor View Hotel and Bettini Restaurant guests from within the hotel grounds.
For more information about the exhibit or to learn more about The Great Elephant Migration and its conservation efforts, please visit thegreatelephantmigration.org.
About The Great Elephant Migration
The Great Elephant Migration is a global fundraising adventure dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of elephants and other wildlife, promoting coexistence, and conserving their natural habitats. Through art, storytelling, and community engagement, the initiative seeks to inspire people worldwide to share space with wildlife and protect biodiversity.
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About Harbor View Hotel
Nestled in the heart of historic Edgartown, Harbor View Hotel offers unparalleled ocean vistas and a prime location just a short stroll from town and beaches. For over 130 years, it has been a cherished haven for travelers to Martha’s Vineyard. Since its acquisition by Upland Capital Group in 2018, the iconic hotel has undergone extensive renovations, blending modern sophistication with timeless charm.
The revitalized property boasts luxurious guest rooms, suites, and public spaces exuding fresh, contemporary design. Its acclaimed food and beverage offerings include Bettini Restaurant, a refined yet approachable restaurant showcasing contemporary American cuisine against the backdrop of stunning ocean panoramas. Behind The View, a chic cocktail lounge, invites guests to unwind with access to the outdoor veranda and breathtaking views. Meanwhile, Roxy Pool Bar beckons with alfresco dining by the pool.
With countless accolades and unparalleled views of Edgartown Harbor, Harbor View Hotel stands as the quintessential Martha’s Vineyard getaway. Learn more at harborviewhotel.com or connect online via Facebook, Instagram and Vimeo.
Media Contact:
Harbor View Hotel
Jean Wong
jean.wong@harborviewhotel.com