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I'm running the Birmingham Half Marathon on 19th October in support of Mahouts Foundation to create Europe's first Elephant Retirement Home.

There are currently 141 elephants in circuses and 540 elephants living in zoos across Europe. With a ban on Elephants in circuses currently sweeping throughout European countries, and the realisation by many circus owners that such large animals are becoming impossible to transport through increasingly busy towns and cities, it is leading them to retire their Elephants from circus life. Relocating the Elephants back to their country of origin is not a realistic option so we are providing a safe haven for these beautiful creatures.

The founders of Elephant Haven; Tony Verhulst and Sofie Goetghebeur have finally found a magnificent piece of land, which is perfect for Elephants, in the Limousin region of France and now we URGENTLY need to raise € 50,000 EU (£40,000 GBP) to secure the land.

Details of the property;

- 25 hectares (over 60 acres) of organic farmland with the possibility to purchase adjoining land in the future.

- the land has a lake and mature oak trees.

- there are three water sources on the land; therefore more lakes and mud wallows can be dug out; this also provides readily available drinking water.

- It is situated in a peaceful National Park; Parc Natural Regionel Perigord Nord, which has gentle rolling hills.

- we will be planting extra trees to provide further shade for the Elephants.

- there is a house and two gites, which will be utilised as staff and volunteer accommodation once Elephant Haven opens.

- there are also beautiful barns and one of these will be converted into a Conservation Education Centre for schools and visitors.

- we also have plans in place to build viewing platforms and walkways for visitors to enjoy watching the Elephants live in peace and dignity whilst roaming through the acreage of their new home.

Supporting Role;

Katherine Connor from Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (BLES) and Louise Rogerson of Elephant Asia Rescue and Survival Foundation (EARS) are very proud and excited to be joining this groundbreaking project in a supporting role.

The Advisory Board;

There are various international experts in the field of animal welfare and management science on The Advisory Board including Dr Joyce Poole, Peter Granli, Carol Buckley, Dr Keith Lindsay, Con Mul, Margaret A Whittaker, Ed Stewart, Roger Mann and Colleen Kinzley, Florence Ollivet - Courtois and Lionel Chapelet.

Each Organisation and member of The Advisory Board brings a wealth of experience and knowledge; this truly is an international effort and we are all working together to make this dream a reality.

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