Two magnificent life-size elephant sculptures from the internationally acclaimed Great Elephant Migration Project have found their permanent home at the Sonoma Community Center. The sculptures, named Moringa and Marigold, were officially installed and celebrated on Thursday, September 4, 2025, drawing significant community attention and fanfare to their new location in the center's front garden at 276 East Napa Street.
The elephant sculptures represent a real mother elephant and her adolescent calf, both based on living elephants in India. Moringa depicts the matriarch, while Marigold represents the juvenile elephant. These intricate artworks are the generous gift of the Sonoma-based KHR McNeely Family Foundation, whose vice president and chief program officer, Rosemary McNeely, first encountered the sculptures during their display in New York City.
McNeely was immediately captivated by the sculptures' remarkable presence and the positive energy they radiated. "I was amazed by their power and presence and the positive energy they radiated," she said, explaining her foundation's decision to bring these extraordinary pieces to Sonoma. During Thursday evening's welcome reception, McNeely participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially introduce the sculptures to the local community.
The sculptures are handcrafted by The Real Elephant Collective, an impressive group of 200 Indigenous artisans from four distinct communities within India's Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. These skilled craftspeople represent the Betta Kurumba, Paniya, Kattunayakan, and Soliga communities, who have been creating these remarkable sculptures for the past five years. Each sculpture is meticulously named after the actual elephant that inspired its creation, serving as a tribute to the elephants these artisans live alongside in their natural habitat.
The Great Elephant Migration Project serves multiple important purposes beyond artistic expression. According to the project's official website, the initiative promotes harmony between humans and animals while simultaneously working to free forests from invasive species. Additionally, the project supports Indigenous communities through sustainable business practices, creating economic opportunities for traditional artisans while preserving their cultural heritage and skills.
The installation of Moringa and Marigold aligns perfectly with the city of Sonoma's public art program, adding significant cultural value to the community space. The sculptures will remain on permanent display in the Sonoma Community Center's gardens, where visitors can appreciate both their artistic merit and the important conservation message they represent. This installation marks another successful chapter in the Great Elephant Migration Project's national public art initiative, bringing awareness to elephant conservation while celebrating Indigenous artistry.
