Denver’s wildlife scene has a new and unexpected resident: elephants. From now through Jan. 25, 2026, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is hosting The Secret World of Elephants, a traveling exhibition that reveals surprising details about these iconic animals—how they sense vibrations through their feet, shape landscapes, and communicate using low-frequency rumbles.
© Denver Museum of Nature and Science
“Elephants are more than just the largest land animals alive today — they are the final living representatives of a diverse group of mammals that once roamed across the globe, including here in our own backyard,” said Dr. Holly Lutz, associate curator of mammals at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. “The Secret World of Elephants highlights their resilience, remarkable adaptations to changing ecosystems, and the social intelligence that defines the species.”
© Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Originally developed by the American Museum of Natural History in New York, The Secret World of Elephants makes its national tour debut in Denver. Installed in the museum’s Phipps Gallery on the third floor, the exhibition combines science, storytelling, and hands-on learning. Visitors can explore a life-size African elephant model, try an elephant-behavior interactive that challenges you to “speak elephant,” and learn how these animals consume between 300 and 500 pounds of food daily.
The exhibition also features a documentary that follows a Kenyan elephant sanctuary dedicated to rehabilitating orphaned elephants, offering an intimate look at rescue, recovery, and reintroduction efforts. Throughout the gallery, interpretive displays explain elephant anatomy, social systems, and the ecological role elephants play in maintaining habitats—from creating water holes to dispersing seeds—underscoring their importance to biodiversity and ecosystem health.
For families, educators, and wildlife enthusiasts, The Secret World of Elephants provides accessible, evidence-based content designed to deepen understanding and inspire conservation-minded action. Interactive elements encourage visitors to test sensory perception and behavioral cues, while curated exhibits present the latest research on elephant communication, cognition, and population challenges.
Visiting the Denver Museum of Nature & Science for this exhibition offers an opportunity to connect with a species whose survival faces pressing threats from habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. By showcasing both the natural history and contemporary conservation work surrounding elephants, the exhibit aims to spark curiosity and support for ongoing protection efforts.
Plan your visit to the Phipps Gallery on the third floor to experience The Secret World of Elephants before it departs Denver on Jan. 25, 2026. The exhibit is suitable for a wide range of ages and provides a compelling mix of immersive displays, scientific insights, and heartfelt stories from conservation projects working to secure a future for elephants worldwide.