If you've ever been captivated by elephants — their intelligence, intricate social bonds, and remarkable communication abilities — then The Secret World of Elephants exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) is an experience you won't want to miss. This immersive exhibition delves deep into the lives of these majestic creatures, offering you a comprehensive understanding of their behaviors, evolution, and the pressing conservation efforts aimed at ensuring their survival.
Exploring The Secret World of Elephants Exhibit
The Secret World of Elephants is one of the most exciting new experiences at the American Museum of Natural History. Located in the LeFrak Family Gallery, this exhibit is a true highlight, inviting you to step into the world of elephants through interactive exhibits, life-size models, and engaging multimedia presentations that make learning about these gentle giants both fun and fascinating.
Right from the start, the exhibit makes a big impression — literally! A life-size model of an African elephant, the largest land animal on Earth, welcomes visitors, giving them a sense of just how massive these creatures really are. Projections on the model reveal incredible details about elephant biology, including how an adult elephant consumes between 300 and 500 pounds of food every day to maintain its strength. Another stunning visual explores the elephant's jaw-dropping 22-month gestation period, the longest of any land mammal, highlighting the challenges of elephant reproduction and conservation.
The journey through elephant history is just as awe-inspiring. The exhibit paints a complete picture of elephant evolution, featuring models of ancient elephant relatives, including the dwarf elephants that once roamed Mediterranean islands. These mini-elephants stood just four feet tall at the shoulder! You can also check out artifacts on display, such as fossilized elephant teeth and skulls, offering a glimpse into the intriguing animals that have shaped the elephant family tree over millions of years.
The Secret World of Elephants opened in November 2023 and is currently scheduled to run through August 3, 2025
The Lives of Elephants: What the Exhibit Teaches Visitors
Elephants are some of the most fascinating animals on the planet, and scientists are still uncovering new details about their behavior. One of the most mind-blowing facts you will learn at the exhibit is how elephants communicate using low-frequency vibrations that travel through the ground — allowing them to "hear" with their feet! This incredible ability lets them send messages across long distances, helping them stay connected, warn each other of danger, and strengthen their social bonds within the herd.
Another remarkable elephant skill on display is their spatial memory, which acts like an internal GPS, guiding them across vast landscapes in search of water, food, and other key nutrients. The exhibit dives into how elephant herds rely on their oldest and wisest members to lead the way, especially during droughts. Through hands-on learning stations, you can see how elephants map out their surroundings, reinforcing just how intelligent and resourceful these animals truly are.
The exhibit also takes a deep dive into elephant family life, showcasing the social structure that keeps herds together. You will discover heartwarming life stories of elephants caring for their young, mourning lost family members, and even displaying empathy — behaviors once thought to be uniquely human. Scientists have observed elephants using teamwork to solve problems, proving that these gentle giants are strong, incredibly smart and emotionally complex.
Interactive and Immersive Features
Crafted by AMNH's award-winning Exhibition Department, The Secret World of Elephants takes learning to the next level with interactive exhibits that bring the world of elephants to life. One of the most captivating features lets you listen to different elephant calls, offering a firsthand experience of how these giants express emotions, warn of danger, and communicate with their herd. It's a powerful way to step inside the mind of an elephant and hear the secret conversations happening in the wild.
The exhibit also highlights one of the most unexpected yet essential parts of an elephant's impact on its environment — their dung! While it might not sound glamorous, elephant waste plays a huge role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. By dispersing seeds and cycling key nutrients, elephant droppings help shape the landscapes they roam, ensuring that forests and grasslands continue to thrive.
Conservation at the Heart of the Exhibit
This exhibit also highlights the urgent need for conservation. You can learn about the threats elephants face, from habitat destruction to the illegal ivory trade, and explore ongoing conservation efforts. A powerful documentary within the exhibit follows Shaba, a young orphaned elephant who became the first matriarch of the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, demonstrating how community-led conservation is transforming elephant protection efforts.
Another interactive section of the exhibit encourages you to consider the ethical concerns of keeping elephants in captivity. Many zoos have phased out elephant exhibits due to concerns about elephant welfare, as these highly intelligent and social animals often suffer from health issues in confined spaces. In response, some zoos have relocated elephants to protected sanctuaries, where they can thrive in environments that better mimic their natural habitats.
Research and Science Behind the Exhibit
Modern science continues to shape our understanding of elephants, and this exhibit showcases cutting-edge research in the field. You can explore how scientists use GPS tracking to study elephant migration patterns and bioacoustics to decode their communication. These tools are essential for conservationists working to protect elephant populations and reduce human-wildlife conflicts.
The exhibit also sheds light on how researchers analyze elephant diets. By studying what elephants eat, scientists learn about the key nutrients they need to survive and how their foraging habits impact entire ecosystems. This deeper understanding of elephant ecology helps conservationists develop better strategies for protecting these iconic animals in the wild.
The Role of Technology in Learning About Elephants
Technology brings The Secret World of Elephants to life, turning learning into an immersive adventure. One of the most exciting features is a virtual reality experience that drops you right into an elephant's natural habitat. Through this digital journey, you can see the world through an elephant's eyes, getting a firsthand look at how they interact with their surroundings, navigate their environment, and communicate with their herd.
Another interactive highlight focuses on one of the elephant's most remarkable tools — their trunk. Strong enough to uproot trees yet delicate enough to grasp a tiny seed, an elephant's trunk is an engineering marvel. You can put your own dexterity to the test in a hands-on challenge that mimics how elephants use their trunks for everything from gathering food to expressing emotions. These interactive moments make the exhibit even more engaging, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for what makes elephants truly extraordinary.
Plan Your Visit With New York CityPASS® Tickets
Exploring the American Museum of Natural History is one of the top reasons to visit New York, but New York's excitement doesn't stop there. With New York CityPASS® tickets, you can see this exhibit along with other top attractions in New York while saving money. CityPASS® tickets provide a streamlined, hassle-free way to explore New York's most iconic destinations, making it an excellent choice for visitors and locals alike.
Don't miss the chance to step into the hidden world of elephants, uncover their fascinating behaviors, and witness the incredible efforts being made to protect them. Plan your visit today with New York CityPASS® tickets and embark on an unforgettable journey into the world of elephants at AMNH!
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Header image Alvaro Keding/© AMNH