'Elephant Guardians' Needed For Nonprofit Display In Newport

NEWPORT, RI — The Great Elephant Migration is looking for volunteers to guard its art exhibit of 100 life-sized elephant statues on display along the Cliff Walk in Newport.

The team behind the art display said volunteer applications are now live to become "an elephant guardian" this summer. Elephant Guardians will answer visitors' questions, give details about the exhibition, and provide on-site care for each elephant.

Applicants must be 18 or older, but no other requirements are necessary. Once an application is submitted and approved, volunteers can create their own shift schedules in the portal

The following time slots are available this week:

• Tuesday: 1:30 p.m.–5 p.m.
• Wednesday: 1:30 p.m.–5 p.m.
• Thursday: 1:30 p.m.–5 p.m.
• Friday: 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
• Saturday: 1:30 p.m.–5 p.m.
• Sunday: 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.–5 p.m.

According to the art exhibit's website, the Great Elephant Migration is a global organization that aims to encourage people to raise indigenous voices and share space with wildlife.

The organization goes about raising that money via donations and selling elephant sculptures. Each elephant in the exhibit is paired with a conservation non-profit that benefits from the proceeds of sculpture sales.

For the Newport display, the sale of elephants will benefit Save the Bay's efforts to remove invasive reeds found in local salt marshes. The exhibit will remain on display until the end of August.

Learn more about the Great Elephant Migration here.

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