The migration of 100 life-size elephant sculptures began in Newport, Rhode Island before the herd took up residence in the meat-packing district of New York City. They stayed there through late October, when they headed south to Miami, Florida, before heading to Browning, Montana, in May 2025.

Like many others, we walked in amazement among the giant creatures we learned were for sale. You can purchase a limited-edition, life-size sculpture supporting the conservation work and bringing a message of coexistence into your world. These elephants aim to raise funds for non-profit conservation organizations and foster awareness about wildlife’s challenges.

According to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, “Each elephant sculpture is made from lantana camara, the second most widespread invasive species…This fast-growing, toxic shrub has taken over 40 percent of forests in India, obliterating native plants and diminishing food sources for animals, which drives them out of forests and into urban areas. The Great Elephant Migration supports a large-scale lantana removal project, which will restore vast tracts of forest, sequestering 2,625 tons of carbon in the process.”

After seeing the elephants, we walked the Hudson River Parkway, stopping for an afternoon drink and nibble at the Drift In, a seasonal open-air waterfront restaurant near Pier 45 owned by the same folks who bring you Grand Banks.

My friend had the Aperol Spritz ($17) and I tried their I’m the Captain Now, a delicious blend of Captains Courageous single-barrel rye whiskey and Aperol ($21), reminiscent of a mai tai with its pineapple and lemon juices. We shared their mouth-watering fried artichoke hearts with lemon aioli.

I highly recommend stopping in at the Drift In.

Drift In
Hudson River Park Trust
389 West Street
New York, NY 10014
(646) 860-0964
crewny.com/drift-in