The great elephant migration in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, the vibrant capital city of Karnataka, thriving in it’s urban landscape witnessed a different kind of migration – one that takes us back to the roots of India’s rich wildlife heritage. The Great Elephant Migration, an event that saw 100 lantana elephants majestically traverse the city’s iconic Lalbagh botanical gardens, was not just an exhibition but a movement – a call to coexistence.

Thanks to Manjula Raju for sharing the cover photo. Thanks to Mallika for sharing the above photo.

The story of great migration

Heard this herd? They have a story to tell. Watch this video to understand the significance of this migration:

A journey through the garden city

From February 3rd to March 3rd, 2024, Bengaluru’s residents and visitors witnessed a spectacle unlike any other. These life-sized lantana sculptures, representing the grandeur of the Indian elephant, embarked on a path through tech parks, government offices, metro stations, and the verdant expanses of the city’s lakes and gardens.

My friends Mallika and Manjula visited these enchanting lantana elephants at the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens. I have included some of their photos in this post. Thanks Mallika and Manjula for sharing these photos.

A select few made their way to Doddabommasandra Lake on March 3rd, 2024, a stone’s throw away from my home. I eagerly awaited the chance to visit them. My friend Lakshmi also joined in this visit.

The lantana giants
Crafted from the invasive Lantana camara, these elephants are more than just art; they are a statement of sustainability and a testament to the skill of indigenous artisans.

Each sculpture, modeled after real elephants, tells a story of conflict, adaptation, and the spectrum of coexistence. These life-sized lantana sculptures were handcrafted by over 150 artisans from the Soliga, Bettakurumba, and Kattunayakan tribes living in and around the Bandipur and Mudumalai forests.

Capturing the essence
I joined the migration, not as a spectator, but as a chronicler. Each photograph I took captures the essence of these gentle giants as they stood still in the urban landscape. The play of light and shadow, the intricate details of the sculptures, and the backdrop of the city’s daily hustle – all came together in a narrative of harmony.

Armed with a sketch book and a variety of sketch pens, Lakshmi set out to capture these magnificent creatures. In a matter of few minutes, she made a sketch of a mother elephant and its calf.

Reflections on coexistence
This event was more than just an artistic endeavor; it was a reflection on our relationship with nature. As the elephants made their way through the city, they brought with them a message of conservation, urging us to rethink our place in the natural world and to strive for a balance that benefits both.

An invitation to remember
As the lantana elephants continue their journey across the globe, they leave behind a legacy in Bengaluru – a reminder of the delicate dance between human progress and wildlife preservation.

Some of these lantana elephants are on permanent display at the arrival gate of the beautiful terminal T2, BLR airport. An apt place to stay for these gentle giants!

For those who missed this journey, the memories are etched in photographs, and the message endures – we must join the dance and embrace coexistence.

Read more about the Bengaluru migration story at Coexistence: The Great Elephant Migration.