Featured Jade(?) Carved animals on base

This is about 9" tall. Every time I look at it I find another animal. I've searched online for anything similar but couldn't find anything. Looking for ideas on what the supporting base is supposed to be; is it an elephant or ? What the carving with the different animals might represent and possible value. I believe it is India jade? It would have been a gift from my Uncle to my Aunt over 50 years ago.

 

Looks like it goes beyond the animals of the Chinese zodiac. It's like a combination scholar's stone & Noah's Ark.

 

Gorgeous thing. I'm no help, just admiring.

 

The detail on that is amazing ! I think that piece is far better than just tourist tat. I love it ,I could stare at it for hours. I think its soapstone.

 

WOW, that is or appears to be intricately carved what with ALL those Figures!!!!! Are they carved out of, or added in to, OR a mixture of BOTH!!!! Somewhat hard to tell.........and I'm NO EXPERT on THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!! But it IS TOTALLY Intriguing!!!!!!!!!

 

It is Qingtian stone, one of those typical Chinese stones used to carve the nicer quality souvenirs or export pieces. The multiple colours of the stone are utilised to create and emphasize specific details, as you can see on yours.
I believe it is regarded as one of the soapstones, which is just an umbrella term. It is actually a mix of several minerals:

https://www.mindat.org/min-40448.html

Qingtian stone carvings are heavily waxed for strength, which accounts for that soft look you see on yours. Don't put it in bright sunlight or near a heat source.
Although not as valuable as jade or Shoushan stone, intricate carvings like yours are valued:

https://www.invaluable.com/auction-...ne-carving-of-peanuts-using-415a-c-9de47c3831

Your photos are a bit too high contrast for me, but it looks like the lower part is just meant to be an unusual rock formation, which is often the case.
More on Qingtian carvings:

http://en.chinaculture.org/library/2008-01/22/content_38089.htm

 

Great replies, all -- Especially @Any Jewelry 's detailed reply, with links!

 

Thank you so much for the comments and feedback, very appreciated. I love this piece. I keep seeing new animals that I've missed before.

Thank you as well @Any Jewelry for the detailed information and the links! I've attached another pic of the base.

 

Thank you. I can't quite see what the base is meant to be, but I do see thatit was carved separately. The top was attached to the base using some kind of putty or cement. It looks original, so nothing to worry about.