See Elephants' 'Secret World' At New Natural History Museum Exhibit

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY - How can elephants hear with their feet? How do they reshape the ecosystems they inhabit, including human-inhabited locales? Why are there only three remaining species left, and what can we do to ensure their survival?

These questions and more will be explored at the American Museum of Natural History’s The Secret World of Elephants, which opens to the public Nov. 13.

“Elephants are the world’s largest land animal, but we understand surprisingly little about them,” exhibit curator Ross MacPhee said in a statement.

“Researchers are working toward assembling a much more complete picture of elephants and we’re learning new secrets about their minds, bodies and ecological importance every day," MacPhee continued. "We also know elephants face an uncertain future. The global demand for ivory, along with climate change and habitat loss, are pushing them along the path to extinction. If we don’t act quickly, elephants could be gone before we ever truly get to know them.”

The new exhibit digs into new findings about both modern elephants and their ancient relatives, highlights elephants’ extraordinary senses (see: the “Can you Speak Elephant?” interactive) and reveals current threats the animals face to their survival in the modern age.

“The exhibit asks what are the best ways to solve the [human-elephant] conflict,” MacPhee said at a preview of the exhibit Wednesday, “and allow both to live their lives.”

Expect life-size models of an elephant and wooly mammoth, as well as a variety of interactive features, fossils, casts, 3D models and videos. Visitors will also be able to touch an elephant tooth, listen to elephant calls, learn about elephants' extraordinary diet and more.

Alongside exhibit elements highlighting elephants’ cultural and religious significance across the globe, as well as their voracious appetites, varied communication methods and gargantuan size, The Secret World of Elephants explores the species' threats like poaching and climate change; human-led conservation efforts and potential impacts of a shrinking elephant population to both elephants and humans.

Of course, the exhibit ends in an elephant-themed gift shop filled to the brim with trunk-toting plushies, colorful sweatshirts and keychains galore. You can even make your own wooly mammoth with a miniature model kit.

“In addition to our concern that we share for elephants in the future, I hope the exhibit gives people a chance to find something new,” MacPhee added.

The Secret World of Elephants opens to the public Nov. 13. Pay-what-you-wish and general admission tickets can be purchased here.

You can catch a sneak peak of the exhibit below: