WASHINGTON DC, United States — The iconic 11-ton African elephant, affectionately known as Henry, dominates the main rotunda of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History on the National Mall. This impressive taxidermy specimen, standing 13 feet tall, has been a centerpiece of the museum since 1959, welcoming visitors with its imposing presence and serving as a symbol of the museum's extensive natural history collection.
Photograph by David Coleman. The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History's rotunda is dominated by an impressive taxidermy specimen of an African elephant, known affectionately as Henry. This 11-ton, 13-foot-tall elephant has been a centerpiece of the museum since 1959, serving as both a captivating display and a symbolic gateway to the wonders of natural history within. Originally known as the Fénykövi elephant, after the Hungarian game hunter who donated the hide, Henry stands on a specially designed platform that was renovated in 2015. The new platform incorporates an information desk and educational displays about African elephant ecology, the threats posed by poaching, and the species' place in geological time. The renovation also revealed a previously hidden inlaid compass on the rotunda floor, adding an extra layer of interest to the exhibit. Henry's tusks are not original but are fiberglass casts installed in 1988 to replace earlier celluloid versions. In 2015, the elephant underwent careful cleaning and restoration, with specialists using hand-colored beeswax to patch and preserve the hide. The wide-angle view of the rotunda emphasizes the grandeur of the space and Henry's commanding presence within it. The neoclassical architecture of the rotunda, with its soaring dome and ornate details, provides a majestic setting for this natural history icon. Visitors can be seen gathered around the base of the exhibit, their presence giving scale to Henry's impressive size. This exhibit not only showcases the physical majesty of African elephants but also serves as a focal point for discussions about wildlife conservation, natural history, and the role of museums in education and preservation. Henry continues to captivate millions of visitors annually, standing as a testament to the enduring appeal of natural history museums and their importance in fostering understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
Size: 7360px × 4912px
Location: Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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