Elephant Parade Comes to Ocean Institute and Gift Shop

It shouldn’t be too surprising to see an elephant at the Ocean Institute.  Think of it as the land-based soul mate of the whale.

Whales have their own endangerment issues…like the Asian elephants.  The art exhibit known as the Elephant Parade made its U.S. debut in Dana Point in August at Doheny State Park.  It included approximately 30 life-sized “baby” elephants designed by an array of national and international artists including marine artist Wyland of Laguna Beach and Dana Point-based Laura Seeley, artist and children’s author. 

The elephant calling the Ocean Institute home until mid-November is Jack by artist Dustin Otterbach, who used sustainable and natural materials to create Jack.  Jack needs indoor space because of the sensitive nature of his materials.

“The Ocean Institute is honored to be part of Elephant Parade and its Welcome to America,” said Dan Stetson, Ocean Institute President.   “The Ocean Institute is a leader in science and history education and also is recognized for our hands-on science and environmental education programs.  Bringing awareness to endangered Asian elephants is one way that the Ocean Institute can play a role in this community and international endeavor as well be part of this educational experience.”

The Ocean Institute gift shop—the Laurena G. Chambers Gallery Book and Gift Store—is pre-selling a selection of the elephant art, including 10 different artists’ designs.  They include Sea The Point! by Laura Seeley, Corn by Nat Posilla, Betty Boop by Max Fleischer (D. 1972), We Love Mosha USA by Thiti Suwan, Golden Poppies and Americana by Jeff Carillo, Beady by David Nguyen, Garlands (Maa Lil) by Chris Chun, Gentle Guardian by Johanna Enriquez , Shopping Queen by Gudrun Hauser and the Artbox Paint Your Own Elephant.  All elephants are $31 each, plus tax, except for Betty Boop and the Artbox, which are $35 each, plus tax.

The purpose of the Elephant Parade is to raise awareness of the plight of the Asian elephant.  The Asian Elephant Foundation, which educates all ages about the threats of extinction and funds research on behalf of the Asian elephants, is the driving force behind the Elephant Parade, which has been displayed worldwide in such cities as Singapore, London and Amsterdam.  According to Foundation, over the past 100 years, reports indicate a 90% population decrease of the Asian elephant and that the Asian elephant population decreases by 3.5% annually, which could lead to the Asian elephant extinction in a few decades without the proper action.

The elephant art is placed throughout Dana Point in parks, at beaches, in Dana Point Harbor at Dana Point resorts and other locations.  The elephants will be auctioned off as a fundraiser Nov. 17 at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa.

Stop by the Ocean Institute and say hello to Jack.