IMAGINE A WORLD WITHOUT ELEPHANTS… BE THEIR VOICE!
THE NUMBERS DONT LIE 20,000 African ELEPHANTS ARE MURDERED EVERY YEAR BECAUSE OF THE WORLD’S EVER-INCREASING DEMAND FOR IVORY – A DEMAND THAT HAS FED A BRUTAL AND RELENTLESS SLAUGHTER.
Elephants Are Killed Everyday
At this rate, we will see the extinction of elephants within our lifetime.
Elephants have been an important part of my life since my first trip to Africa 10 years ago. Among the most intelligent creatures on the planet, elephants have complex social relationships, kinship bonds, and a capacity for emotions that make them unique in the animal kingdom. They are the gardeners of the forest and the keepers of the savannas. Without them, the biodiversity in these ecosystems would collapse. In the past 100 years, African elephant populations have been reduced by 97%. More than 50% of Africa’s remaining elephants could be killed in the next 10 years if illegal poaching continues at the current rate.
These animals are in danger, and we are not winning the war against poaching. Dr. Jane Goodall said, “I’ve spent hours and hours watching elephants, and I’ve come to understand what emotional creatures they are; it’s not just a species facing extinction, it’s a massive individual suffering.”
SCARVES
My photographic journey has taken me to parts of Africa that are still very wild and on the front lines of the anti-poaching fight. Whenever I return home, I feel there is always more to do to protect the majestic herds I have grown to admire and love.
With that, I am excited to announce the launch of Stephanie Freid-Perenchio Photography’s, THE ELEPHANT SCARVES – a wearable piece of art celebrating elephants and their struggle for survival.
I have designed these two 100% viscose limited-edition scarves, each with one of my favorite elephant photographs. This is my way to give voice to the issues threatening elephants and draw attention to the fact that the world needs to work together to support this critical global issue.
The Elephant Scarves retail for $150. $75 from each scarf purchased will be donated to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST embraces all measures that complement the conservation, preservation, and protection of wildlife. At the heart of the SWT’s conservation effort is the Orphans’ Project, a program that offers hope for the future of Kenya’s threatened elephant and rhino populations as they struggle against the threat of poaching for their ivory and horn, and the loss of habitat due to human population pressures and conflict, deforestation and drought.
http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/
ACTION
I’ve long photographed elephants, individually and in their herds. My time spent with them has only solidified my sense of urgency. Let’s not be the generation that allows the extinction of elephants.
The international community needs to be a united voice speaking out and taking action against the slaughter of these majestic animals. We can help by taking a stand against poaching and the illegal trade of ivory. This includes advocating for stronger laws and enforcement against illegal poaching, increasing awareness about the vital role that elephants play in our ecosystems, and working towards better management of natural elephant habitats and the implementation of strong protection policies for wild elephants.
These scarves are my way to continue the anti-poaching conversation, to be their voice, and to give back to an organization who has long worked for protecting wild elephants in Africa.