When spring arrives on campus, one of the most eye-catching sights is the towering, life-size topiary elephant trumpeting proudly in front of Rose Administration. With its lush green coat and unmistakable shape, the elephant has become a symbol of pride, not only for the University but also for the dedicated groundskeepers who care for it.
Jordan Williamson and Carra Freeman, sisters and seasoned groundskeepers with UA Facilities and Grounds, are the lead caretakers of the University’s iconic creation.
“There are many little things we do across campus, but the elephant is definitely one of our biggest projects,” Freeman said.
Standing nine feet tall and stretching 14 feet long, the topiary elephant is built from a metal frame filled with creeping fig — a living vine in the ivy family. Over time, the vines grow into a unified green coat that mimics the texture and scale of a real elephant, complete with aluminum tusks and hand-painted marble eyes. Moss stuffed inside the frame helps retain moisture, enabling the fig to take root and thrive. Originally designed using computer-aided models based on elephant anatomy, the structure was a collaborative effort between UA’s facilities, art and horticulture departments.
“He’s life-size, modeled after an actual bull elephant,” Freeman said. “People are always amazed it’s alive — they think it’s just a sculpture until they get close.”
Seasonal Care and Maintenance
Caring for the elephant is a year-round endeavor. In the fall, typically around the Iron Bowl, it is carefully wheeled into storage to protect the fig from freezing temperatures. While in storage, it still receives sunlight and occasional watering to maintain its health during dormancy.
“Once he’s put up for the winter, we don’t do much with him except make sure he stays healthy,” Freeman said. “We also check our supplies for the next year, because we want to be ready before spring hits.”
When spring arrives, the real work begins. The sisters assess the elephant’s condition — replacing dead fig, trimming tendrils and refreshing deteriorated moss. The trunk, a particularly delicate area prone to drying out, often requires a complete redo. Freeman usually takes on this challenge by replanting figs and reshaping the narrow features.
Tools, Teamwork and Technique
The process involves basic but specialized gardening tools: pokers to insert new fig cuttings into the moss, gardening scissors for trimming, and netting to hold everything in place. A drip irrigation system runs throughout the frame, keeping the moss moist — especially critical during Alabama’s hot summers.
“Watering is constant, especially since he’s in full sun,” Williamson said. “Too much heat without hydration can really stress the fig.”
Depending on the elephant’s condition post-winter, it can take anywhere from two weeks to over a month to get it ready for public display. The team also gives the elephant regular “haircuts” throughout the growing season to keep it looking neat and healthy.
More Than Just a Plant
The topiary elephant has become more than just a decorative piece. For many, it represents school spirit, tradition and creativity — a living symbol of the University’s identity.
“Elephants are synonymous with the University,” Freeman said. “But I think what fascinates people most is that it’s alive. It grows and changes, and someone’s taking care of it.”
Freeman, Williamson and other UA Facilities and Grounds team members spend dozens of hours each year preparing the elephant for display. Despite the time and effort, they say the work is rewarding.
“I just want people to understand how much work goes into it,” Williamson said. “When he’s finally standing out there, and people stop to take pictures or smile, it’s all worth it.”
So the next time you pass by the topiary elephant in front of Rose Administration, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship, the greenery and the sisters behind the scenes who bring UA’s living mascot to life year after year.