It's back! The iconic elephant that was destroyed by Mother Nature has risen from the dead in Central New York.

The towering grapevine elephant sat in a field in West Winfield for years.

The sculpture was brought to life by local artist Elizabeth Schoomaker, who spent months meticulously crafting it from 40 truckloads of wild grapevines. Braving rain, heat, cold, and wind, she worked tirelessly in her driveway to complete the masterpiece.

Over the years, Schoomaker repaired damage to the fragile elephant, from humans and Mother Nature. "My work was never intended to be sat on or climbed for photos to share on social media."

The sculpture was intended as a roadside attraction, welcoming all to stop and cross the bridge for a closer look, which many did.

READ MORE: Vandals Destroy Stunning Life Size Elephant Sculpture in West Winfield

Credit - Mary Moran Reitz
Credit - Mary Moran Reitz
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Elephant Under Milky Way

Todd Walker, a local photographer captured the sculpture under the stars in what looked more like a painting than a photograph.

"I was near Plainfield, driving along a country road when I came across this sculpture. From a distance, I had to blink twice. It was definitely something I wasn’t expecting to see."

READ MORE: Elephant & Magpie Captured Under the Central New York Stars

ToddShots Photography
ToddShots Photography
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Final Year of the Elephant

This year was the elephant's last.

The storms that tore through Central New York on July 15 knocked the elephant on it's side, damaging it beyond repair.

READ MORE: Summer Storms Destroy Iconic Elephant

 

Credit - Trudy Piscione/Facebook
Credit - Trudy Piscione/Facebook
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Elephant Returns

That's what everyone thought anyway.

The elephant sculpture is back. Or at least another version of it.

This one looks to be a lot sturdier to withstand humans and Mother Nature.

Credit - Trudy Piscione/Faceook
Credit - Trudy Piscione/Faceook
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New Birds Too

The elephant isn't the only newcomer.

Two birds have also landed in the field.

If you want to stop for a few pictures, please remember you're on someone else's property to admire their work.

Look don't touch!

Be respectful and don't destroy the art. The rest of us want to enjoy it's beauty too.

Thank you Elizabeth for bringing the iconic elephant back and sharing your talent with us.

Credit - Diane Conklin
Credit - Diane Conklin
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