A life-sized sculpture of Mali, Melbourne Zoo’s baby elephant, has stamped its position on The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH).

The RCH has been given the incredible opportunity to host the fibreglass sculpture for the six weeks from 10 August to 21 September.

The RCH is hosting one of 50 models of the famous elephant calf placed throughout Melbourne, illustrating the hospital’s relationship with Melbourne Zoo, its connectedness to the city and its standing as one of Melbourne’s iconic institutions.

The ‘Mali in the City’ event celebrates Melbourne Zoo’s 150th Anniversary. Forty-six Melbourne artists were given the unique chance to paint or decorate their unusual canvas however they chose. Artists included David Bromley, Mirka Mora, Graeme Base and even Mali the elephant herself.

The RCH Mali was painted by artist David Higgins and is entitled Pond Dreaming. Mr Higgins says his design is about the love of water.

“The elephant is standing in a fresh water pond; light is streaming through the water onto the elephant’s back and fish and other sea life accompany the elephant whilst being there.”

Mali’s paintwork enables her to blend in well to her new habitat in the hospital’s large atrium, Main Street, which already features ‘beach’ themed wayfinding artwork.

Melburnians can view all elephants in the herd by following the Mali Trail throughout the city. Other locations to host Malis include Melbourne Central, Queen Victoria Market, Bourke Street Mall and Eureka Tower.

For more information about Melbourne Zoo’s Mali in the City event, click here. An iPhone app is also available.