Edition of 150, 30 AP (artist proofs), 5 PP (printers proofs), 5 EP (extra proofs), 3 HC (Hors Commerce - not for sale), 10 numbered in Roman numerals, 1 BAT (Print proof - good to print) 40 TP (trial proof) signed and numbered in pencil.

African Elephant is a work from Andy Warhol's 1983 Endangered Species series, commissioned by environmental activists and gallerists Ronald and Frayda Feldman. The series was created to raise awareness about endangered species and the detrimental effects of deforestation, hunting, and climate change. Unlike Warhol’s earlier series like Myths or Marilyn, which focus on commercialism and consumer culture, this series takes on a more political dimension, reflecting Warhol's deep concern for nature and wildlife.

In contrast to many prints in the series that use close-up, cropped compositions, this portrait presents the elephant in its full majesty. The textured detail of the elephant's wrinkled skin is vividly depicted through contrasting lines of green, blue, and yellow against a wash of light purple. The image, based on a photograph by wildlife photographer Mitch Reardon, shows the elephant from a slightly lower angle, with a vast, pinkish sky dominating the background and the elephant’s tusks appearing as small white accents against the deep shadows. Warhol employs a technique reminiscent of cross-hatching with opposing blue and green lines to emphasise the elephant's skin folds, while the overall composition highlights the grandeur of the animal and underscores the urgency of conservation efforts. Through this evocative portrayal, Warhol underscores both the beauty of the African elephant and the critical importance of environmental conservation.