Jack Highwood - ELIE and the Elephant Valley Project

[p]Update - 1 May 2020 - First of all, let us THANK all those who have already donated, you have enabled us to make it through the last six weeks since we had to temporarily close to guests. It is costing us roughly $10,000-$12,000 USD per month to keep the sanctuary running, the elephants fed, mahouts paid and to support the community through this crisis. We have been offered $4000-5000 USD per month critical relief funds from the amazing World Animal Protection for the next 6 months, but we still need to find the rest. Every little bit helps and please share our plea far and wide. Cheers, Jemma.[/p][p]---[/p][p]All around the world now, elephant and wildlife sanctuaries similar to the EVP are feeling the dramatic effects of the pandemic and we are only starting to come to terms with the long term impact this will have on the animals placed under all our care. [/p][p]How can you help from home? [/p][p]If you are already reading this, then you are heading in the right direction in providing a crucial life line and financial support to not only the elephants that have retired at the EVP, but for the community whose land, livelihoods and support systems depend on them also.[/p][p]As you know with events changing every day with regards to the Covid-19 flu pandemic, we decided to at this stage close the Elephant Valley Project to visitors and volunteers for the month of April, which has now also extended to the end of May. Putting the health and safety of our staff, their families and vulnerable members of the community first. But in doing so, we have shut off our primary source of funding at an already difficult time of year. [/p][p]Our dedicated team of mahouts will still continue to work closely with their elephants each and every single day. However, this requires a salary. Sambo will still continue to receive treatment to the ongoing injuries that plague her feet, but we will need medicine for that. Our elderly residents such as Ning Wan, Mae Nang and GeeNowl rely on daily food supplements: Banana trees, sugarcane, fruit, tamarind and rice. All of this requires a steady stream of funding.[/p][p]With your contribution, together we can continue to provide the highest quality of care for all the elephants at the EVP in ensuring that these turbulent times do not affect their day to day routine. We can also try to honor our long-standing commitment to the community, through our health care access program and livelihoods, but only if we secure enough funding to continue these programs. [/p][p]Every single penny counts. So donate, send the link to your loved ones, friends and family and together let's make a difference![/p][p]The EVP team[/p]