Strolling through Spitalfields, it’s impossible not to notice the scattering of bronze elephant statues. There are 21 of them set up (one matriarch and 20 baby elephants) as the ‘Herd Of Hope’ by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and they aim to raise awareness for endangered elephants in areas of Africa. But come next week, you’ll be able to see them in different positions; all lined up to form a new installation named ‘Every Step Matters’.
On August 10-17, the statues will all come together on Brushfield Street to pay tribute to the elephants in the wild and the conservation efforts carried out to help protect them. It coincides with World Elephant Day (August 12)and will also feature activities and an interactive learning trail.
Steps along the trail serve are set up to teach those in London about the threats facing elephants, such as loss of habitat and poachers hunting for ivory. Those who walk along the trail can follow the elephant footsteps between sculptures from the sculptures and over to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust‘s pop-up, where anyone can check out some merchandise and take part in educational activities set up by the trust. At the pop-up store, you can also find elephant-inspired gifts and decorative items made in Kenya.
There will also be interactive exhibits set up that detail the work carried out to save the lives of elephants in Africa, which you can take part in after getting a photo with the sculptures. Kids can enjoy face-painting on August 10 & 12and those heading over on August 12 & 16 can also take part in the elephant clay sculpting workshop. After the activities, you’ll be able to grab an ice cream at the cart from Elizabeth Scarlett, which you’ll be able to find on the 12th, celebrating World Elephant Day.
Speaking on the news, Rob Brandford, Executive Director of Sheldrick Wildlife Trust UK, said: “This isn’t just art — it’s a movement. The Herd of Hope inspires action. Every step you take along the trail is symbolic of the real steps we can all take to protect elephants and promote coexistence.”
You’ll be able to check out the ‘Herd Of Hope’ lined up to form the ‘Every Step Matters’ installation on Brushfield Street in Spitalfields between August 10-17, with a special celebration on August 12 for World Elephant Day. Find out more about the Herd of Hope here, as well as learning about the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
