‘The Whistling Whales’ at Phoenix Palladium, Mumbai with PETA India
Mumbai, August 13, 2024: Phoenix Palladium, known for its sophistication and refinement, is more than a shopping destination; it’s a cultural hub where art meets luxury. With over 300 luxury and premium brands, the mall offers a unique blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Each season, visitors eagerly await the unveiling of artistic installations that enhance the mall’s enchanting atmosphere.
This monsoon season, Phoenix Palladium presents “The Whistling Whales,” an artistic collaboration with PETA India to raise awareness about marine conservation. The life-sized whale sculptures, meticulously crafted with intricate details, pay tribute to the ocean’s gentle giants, showcasing their beauty, playfulness, and vulnerability. This installation aims to inspire visitors to protect marine life and our oceans.
Whales play a crucial role in capturing carbon from the atmosphere, with the average great whale sequestering 30 tonnes of CO2—far more than trees. Their carbon storage and phytoplankton-fertilizing feces contribute significantly to atmospheric oxygen. However, whale populations have dwindled to about 1.3 million from historical numbers of 4-5 million, making their protection vital.
The launch event at Phoenix Palladium combined education and entertainment, with PETA India offering an interactive talk on marine conservation and bycatch (whales and other fish who are caught and killed accidentally during fishing for other species). Attendees, including moms and kids, learned about the threats whales face from the fishing industry and the importance of ocean preservation. Through storytelling, the session aimed to inspire the younger generation to embrace environmental conservation for a sustainable future.
“Bycatch is the most significant threat to the survival of marine wildlife, where countless whales and other sea creatures are inadvertently caught in fishing nets each year. Through this installation and our collaboration with Phoenix Palladium, we aim to raise awareness and inspire action to protect these valuable creatures. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that our oceans remain vibrant, good for the planet and full of life.” – Meenakshi Narang, Senior Education Coordinator, PETA India.
As a token of appreciation, the children received souvenirs reminding them of their role in protecting the planet, and they enjoyed a movie about marine life. The “The Whistling Whales” installation continues to inspire visitors with its message: together, we can create a brighter, more sustainable future. Phoenix Palladium and PETA India invite everyone to join this movement, where art and advocacy unite to safeguard our planet and its precious marine life.