An elephant that glows in the dark has been spotted on the University of Leicester campus, with four little elephants at Attenborough Arts Centre.
The creature forms part of the Stomp Round Leicester art trail, which comprises 40 giant and 82 baby elephant sculptures.
This vibrant, city-wide initiative is led by LOROS Hospice, combining creativity, community spirit, and charitable purpose to raise funds for terminally ill patients and their families across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. In addition to the campus elephant, which is located outside David Wilson Library, four baby elephants are also being exhibited at the Attenborough Arts Centre, in Lancaster Road.
“The University and Attenborough Arts Centre were keen to become foster carers to some of LOROS’s elephants and we’re delighted to have been able to find homes for a whole family of five,” said Andrew Fletcher, Director of Attenborough Arts Centre. “The Stomp Round Leicester art trail is a brilliant way to not only promote and raise money for such an amazing charity, but to get the public out exploring the city as they track down the elephants.”
He added: “We were also delighted to see LOROS commissioning a diverse range of individual artists to decorate each elephant. We’re hoping this innovative trail will lead art-hungry hunters to Attenborough Arts Centre, where they’ll be able to discover our public programmes including our free exhibition, family-friendly resources and café.”
The elephant on campus, named the Ele-Gene Voyager, was designed by artist Marta Zubieta, who wanted to create a character who was a cosmic explorer with a scientific twist
Painted in deep galactic purples and blues, Ele-Gene is a tribute to the University’s groundbreaking contributions to DNA fingerprinting and space science. He’s adorned with a bold, double-helix DNA strand that glows with vibrant turquoise energy, symbolising life and connection through flower details, and Leicester’s legacy in science. With planets and atoms orbiting his body, Ele-Gene reminds us that we’re all made of star-stuff, bound by the universal code of life, and we reach for the stars while cherishing the bonds that connect us all.
The elephants at Attenborough Arts Centre also come with a reward for visitors! Be part of the Herd and enjoy a 10% discount on all full price items in our shop. We have a wide range of cards, gift ideas, children’s products, art books, jigsaw puzzles, jewellery, prints, art materials and much more. All you need to do is show your app or your official sticker book to front of house with your item.
T&Cs apply. Discount will be applied at the till. Valid on full-price items only. Valid from 15 July – 14 September 2025.
LOROS has worked with Wild in Art to create the trail for its 40th anniversary.
The elephants will be on display until Sunday 21 September. On Wednesday 8 October, the elephants will be auctioned off, with proceeds going to the hospice.