The Great Elephant Migration was an extraordinary journey that captivated hearts and minds as it spanned 1,000 miles from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to Los Angeles, California. We had the chance to sit down with Saryn Chorney, FOUR PAWS Ambassador Relations Specialist, to discuss her experiences during this remarkable event. With enthusiasm and passion, Saryn shared her insights into the spiritual connections made along the way and the powerful story behind one special elephant sculpture. 

Q: Saryn, can you share your overall impression of the Great Elephant Migration? 

Saryn: Absolutely! The Great Elephant Migration was incredibly moving. Everyone treated the elephant sculptures with such reverence, as if they were living animals. There was this beautiful suspension of disbelief that allowed us to connect with the sculptures and a certain quality of “magical realism” to the exhibit overall. 

Q: What makes each elephant sculpture special? 

Saryn: No two sculptures are the same; their eyes seem so real, and they truly capture the essence of the elephants they represent. It’s a powerful reminder of the individual journeys these animals have taken. Each elephant sculpture is modeled after a real elephant and their unique story – especially Madhubala. She is different from the rest of the herd, and not only because she represents an African elephant. Madhubala was rescued by FOUR PAWS from isolation in a rundown zoo, then rehabilitated and eventually relocated to a peaceful sanctuary in Pakistan. There, she was reunited with her family in November of 2024. Her particular story of resilience and recovery has touched so many hearts globally. 

Q: How did the migration foster a sense of community? 

Saryn: It was amazing! The journey included Matriarchs [like FOUR PAWS Matriarch and photographer, Ami Vitale], the Real Elephant Collective artisans, and Indigenous people sharing their knowledge through presentations, storytelling, singing, and dancing.  We listened to the Ute tribe members among us chanting in Zion Canyon and celebrated a Maasai Warrior’s birthday! It was such an extraordinary experience that felt almost sacred at times, and it connected so many NGOs and individuals. The camaraderie along the GEM route was palpable. Even when our trucks (each with elephants in tow) and people were separated, we would randomly meet up again on the road or at gas stations and rest stops, sparking conversations with curious strangers who wanted to know all about the traveling elephant convoy.  

Q: What was the impact of the convoy of trucks and sculptures? 

Saryn: The convoy of colorful, decorated trucks transporting the herd became a symbol of unity and perseverance. It sparked conversations and brought people together, creating a sense of solidarity among the Great Elephant Migration leaders, the NGOs, and the motorists we encountered along the road. It was incredible to see how many people were inspired by the journey! Surprisingly, some travelers told us they’d seen the elephants in other parts of the country too, either at exhibits or in transit. 

Q: Can you describe the significance of the exhibit in Jackson Hole? 

Saryn: The Jackson Hole location was particularly special -- of all the U.S. exhibits, the landscape appeared to be the most natural for a herd of elephants. Similar to the Browning, MT, exhibit, I believe it drew a parallel from the Blackfeet Nation’s connection with buffalo to the Indigenous Indians’ relationship to the elephants, making me realize just how connected the various members of the migration who convened in Wyoming were to one another. We were each part of a larger, more meaningful whole. On a personal level, Jackson Hole is also where I first met FOUR PAWS Matriarch Ami Vitale. It’s not every day one gets to watch and assist one of the most award-winning photojournalists of her time practice her craft “in the wild.” I was humbled. Ami is a wonderful human and incredible humanitarian. 

Q: How did the migration culminate in Los Angeles? 

Saryn: The migration concluded with a truck driving across the finish line and a big celebration in Beverly Hills at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. This event not only showcased the artistry of the sculptures, but also highlighted the cultural significance of the Indigenous communities involved. It was a beautiful way to honor the journey and the stories behind each sculpture, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate the message of coexistence. The mayor of Beverly Hills, Sharona Nazarian, expressed pride in hosting the exhibition, while beloved And Just Like That (a.k.a. Sex and the City) actress and Great Elephant Migration Matriarch Kristin Davis welcomed throngs of guests and well-wishers. Madhubala also had a special spot inside the party! She looked gorgeous all dolled up in her flower crown and sporting a fabulous Indian blanket for the occasion. 

Q: What does the Great Elephant Migration represent for FOUR PAWS? 

Saryn: The Great Elephant Migration serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living beings, the importance of advocating animal welfare, and the necessity of peaceful coexistence. Through initiatives like this, FOUR PAWS continues to inspire action for a more compassionate world. As we reflect on Madhubala’s journey and the collective efforts of everyone involved, we are reminded that every step taken towards animal welfare is a step towards a brighter future where all animals are treated with the respect, empathy, and understanding they deserve. 

Q: Any final thoughts? 

Saryn: I’m very grateful to have been part of such a meaningful journey. The Great Elephant Migration is symbolic of so many things that I value: art, storytelling, female empowerment, connecting with our communities, learning about other cultures – and, of course, our shared commitment to the environment and making a difference for animals everywhere. I am proud that through the Madhubala sculpture, the FOUR PAWS mission will continue to resonate and inspire others to help more vulnerable animals in need of care and protection. 

The Great Elephant Migration was not only a celebration of art and culture but also a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and advocate for animals like Madhubala. Together, we can continue to champion their welfare and ensure that their voices are heard. 

Thank you, Saryn, for sharing your insights and excitement about this incredible journey! 

While photographing the herd at six in the morning on the hillside sculpture garden outside Jackson Hole’s National Museum of Wildlife, Ami’s prescription glasses fell out of her jacket pocket. We knew they were somewhere in the tall grasses, but it was akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. A true professional, Ami continued working, but she was worried. How would she edit photos over the next eight days without her glasses? So, we’d stop every couple of minutes to look around for them. We ended up working and searching for over three hours, to no avail, then took a break and got breakfast downtown. An hour later, we were back at it, shooting footage -- and looking for those missing glasses! Now we were also contending with visitors, plus workers who’d arrived with machinery to deinstall the exhibit. After another two hours snapping pics, filming, and no glasses in sight – we were ready to call it quits. And that’s when the magic happened: Suddenly, a ray of sunlight shone down from the heavens and reflected off a pair of lenses! Ami’s glasses were lying right at my feet, intact, on a patch of grass. She was ecstatic and thanked me profusely. (I was pretty relieved, too.) I’d like to take credit for the lucky find, but I have a funny feeling it was one of the elephants.