FOUR PAWS is excited to share our involvement in The Great Elephant Migration, a breathtaking public art installation that not only honors the majestic beauty of elephants but also highlights the urgent need for animal welfare and coexistence.

Organized by Elephant Family, The Great Elephant Migration features 100 life-sized elephant sculptures, each meticulously crafted by talented indigenous artisans from India. This inspiring exhibit aims to raise awareness and funds for animal welfare and conservation efforts worldwide, symbolizing our shared commitment to peaceful coexistence with wildlife.

The Great Elephant Migration traveled all around the United States, starting in Newport, Rhode Island and New York City before heading south to Miami Beach, and Houston, Texas, then out west to Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Blackfeet Nation in Montana before finally landing in Los Angeles on the west coast. See the timeline of all The Great Elephant Migration exhibit locations. 

The Great Elephant Migration is not just a display of art; it’s a powerful statement about the urgent need for animal welfare. Award-winning photographer and FOUR PAWS matriarch Ami Vitale played a pivotal role in this journey, capturing the essence of the migration through her lens. Ami’s dedication to documenting global crises and advocating for wildlife has made her an influential voice in animal welfare, and we were honored to have her joining the migration throughout the western United States. See more of Ami Vitale's photos. 

FOUR PAWS continues to promote the Madhubala sculpture through a collaboration with MvVO ART, a prominent New York–based contemporary art platform, presenting the sculpture on their Artsy gallery, accessible via www.mvvoart.com. The goal is to find a permanent home for the Madhubala sculpture, with one hundred percent of proceeds supporting FOUR PAWS’s mission to protect and rescue captive wild animals like Madhubala around the world.   “MvVO ART is proud to collaborate with FOUR PAWS by presenting the Madhubala sculpture on our Artsy gallery, uniting contemporary art with a powerful mission to protect and rescue animals,” said Maria van Vlodrop, CEO & Founder, MvVO ART.

We are especially honored to name one of the matriarch elephants in the migration after the real-life elephant, Madhubala. In 2024, FOUR PAWS successfully relocated Madhubala from the unsuitable conditions of Karachi Zoo to a new, species-appropriate enclosure at Karachi Safari Park. After enduring over 15 years in captivity and the heartbreaking loss of her sister Noor Jehan, Madhubala’s journey embodies resilience, loyalty, love, and hope.

The careful planning for Madhubala's relocation involved collaboration with experts, including Dr. Frank Göritz, head veterinarian from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research. The logistical challenge of safely transporting Madhubala was executed with precision, ensuring her comfort and safety throughout the journey. Upon her arrival, she underwent a health assessment that revealed positive reactions as she began to explore her new surroundings.

Madhubala's relocation not only transformed her quality of life but also stands as a powerful symbol of progress for animal welfare. As FOUR PAWS CEO Josef Pfabigan stated, “Madhubala’s rehoming into a species-appropriate enclosure is a gigantic step for animal welfare in Pakistan and sends a strong signal to other countries where elephants are still kept in private captivity for entertainment purposes.” Her journey reflects our broader mission through The Great Elephant Migration to advocate for the conservation of elephants and their habitats.

A particularly heartwarming moment occurred when Madhubala was reunited with her sisters, Malika and Sonia, in their new enclosure. After years of separation, this joyful reunion was celebrated by local observers and animal welfare advocates alike, underscoring the importance of family bonds among elephants and the need for compassionate care and rehabilitation.

The Great Elephant Migration serves as a poignant reminder of our interconnectedness and the importance of compassion in creating a better world for wildlife. By participating in this exhibition, we can all contribute to raising awareness and supporting the vital work of organizations dedicated to helping elephants and other animals thrive.

Join us in celebrating The Great Elephant Migration and the inspiring story of Madhubala. Together, we can make a difference for elephants and promote a future where they can live freely and peacefully alongside humans.

Thank you for your commitment to animal welfare!

Join the Conversation! Post your photos and thoughts using #FollowMadhubala and #EmpathyForElephants to show your support!