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Watch our famous ORIGINAL Elephant Painting video on National Geographic
'Wild On Tape'
Airing again soon On NGeo Channel |
Your purchase of elephant art directly contributes to supporting the Asian elephants who are rapidly becoming extinct and in need of help now. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were about 200,000 Asian elephants. Now, only a few thousand are left in Thailand. This is why we feel strongly about supporting the Thai Elephant Conservation campaign. Conservation is a very complex issue that requires integrated solutions. Purchasing these authentic elephant paintings is one part of the solution and tremendously helps pay for food, medical and environmental programs.
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:
Fair Trade Day in Pacific Beach - San Diego - Saturday 5/1 - 12PM to 4PM, 4761 Cass St. See Map
Little Italy Art Walk - San Diego's Original Fine Art Festival, drawing over 100,000 attendees each year - Saturday 4/24 and Sunday 4/25 - 11AM to 6PM, San Diego, CA, Tent #152 See Map
Liz and Mark are coordinating a humanitarian trip to Guatemala for up to 30 people in May as part of a Unity Center and Airline Ambassador Travel with a Purpose trip. 5/17 thru 6/3.
Liz and Mark travel 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
Special Evening with Greg Mortenson - Author of "Three Cups of Tea" - Thursday 12/10 - 7PM to 9:30PM, The Unity Center, San Diego, CA
Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith's - Agape International Spiritual Center - Sunday 12/20 - 9AM to 12PM, Culver City, CA