Only some elephants enjoy and have this amazing talent to paint. These elephants are treated very well and learn to paint with positive behavioral training techniques with favorite foods and positive words and touch. We have done considerable research and are in contact with high level officials such as the Special Pachyderm Advisor to the Thai Queen's Foundation; research teams from the Smithsonian; veterinarians from the Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Sciences; Mahout University; and many others to ensure that the highest standards of elephant management are followed.

Yes, we would prefer and these elephants would prefer to be in the wild. But, reintroduction efforts have not been successful and despite efforts to protect them, these animals are in great danger of becoming extinct. As symbols of majesty and power, they are an important part of Thai history. Losing these gentle giants would also lose a big part of Thai culture and another beautiful creation in the world. Many believe that the future of the Asian elephant depends on well managed private elephant camps where the elephants are treated well and allowed to have babies.

Go to Artisan Stories to see interviews with Elephant Art Trainer Mahouts and their elephants.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Liz and Mark traveled back to Guatemala to meet with more artisans and develop more unique jewelry and scarves. Brought back some amazingly soft scarves made from bamboo fibers. 9/6 thru 9/15.

Liz and Mark coordinated a humanitarian trip to Guatemala for 24 people to learn about how Fair Trade empowers artisans to have a better life, to deliver 24 slightly used laptop computers to a school, and to build clean burning stoves for ten of the poorest families. 5/17 thru 6/3.

Liz and Mark traveled to South Costa Rica in order to meet with remote hill tribe villagers and design new jewelry items using local natural materials. 1/11 thru 1/28