Our aim is to raise £7,500 towards a new library in the educational centre for The Elephant Orphanage (EOP).

Why EOP?  It provides sanctuary for abandoned elephant calves, often the tragic victims of poaching and human conflict.  Currently 50% of elephants are killed before they reach 15 years old. Young elephants often do not survive without nutrient-rich milk from their mothers, much like us!

 In addition to supporting the work directly with elephants, GRI place much emphasis on supporting environmental education in 20 remote rural schools, reaching over 3,200 children through the Muzovu Awareness Project(Muzovu meaning Elephant in the local Ilya dialect). This project is currently delivered within two chiefdoms surrounding the GRI base camp in an environmental education through teacher workshops, environmental lessons and activities and distributes much needed educational resources. In 2013 the Muzovu Awareness Project will expand to provide education outreach to schools in KNP and Lusaka. They will utilise the orphaned EOP Nursery to inspire and engage young minds into conservation and environmental awareness.

 Update from EOP

Plans are afoot to move the largest elephants  (eles) from the nursery to Kafue National Park within the next few months - as the babies are weaned off milk and enter the release phase of the programme.  We have seven elephants currently in the ‘release herd’ at Kafue Release Facility.  The youngest is Rufunsa, 3 yrs, and oldest Chodoba 8 yrs.  Chodoba is now out of the boma at night and free roaming which is great.

 We are about to embark on the construction of an outer boma (very large paddock) which he and the large eles will be kept in at night to ensure they remain safe from lions. As soon as they are off milk (3yrs) they don't really need to be in a stable, yet they are too small to be wandering alone until 8-10 yrs.  In conjunction with the outer boma we will build a viewing deck which will allow visitors to view the eles at the mud pools in comfort and safety. Your money will help us do these projects.

 A team of highly trained local Keepers care and watch over them constantly. Together with their rescued siblings and Keepers these young elephants learn to overcome the tragic loss of their natal family, as they browse, play and bath together in a safe natural environment. 

 Thank You’s

 Thank you to our Mum’s and Dad’s for supporting us on this amazing adventure.

 Thank you to Wye Valley Canoes for providing all the equipment at cost for the

venture

 Thank you for the Cheltenham College Housemasters for sending the newsletter to their parents, students and friends

 So please help us with our aim and donate to this amazing charity

 Many Thanks, 

Alex, Henry, James and William-Ross