In February 2021 at the Fairmont Monte Carlo, Club Vivanova will partner with the Borneo Wildlife Preservation (BWP) to raise awareness and help raise funds for the protection of the the endangered (IUCN Red List) Bornean pygmy elephant. In continuing the strive to give back by hosting various charitable events, Club Vivanova founder Bradley Mitton has committed to developing a series of events with animal trainer and behaviourist, Katerina Pirelli.
Our Mission
The Borneo Wildlife Preservation (BWP) is a 501(c)(3) public charity, established in the United States and France by animal trainer and behaviourist, Katerina Pirelli. Our mission is to protect the endangered (IUCN Red List) Bornean pygmy elephant (Elephas maximus indicus/borneensis) from risk of extinction, preserve habitats and re-establish migration routes through land purchase and reforestation projects, as well as work on conservation with local communities, NGOs and oil palm plantations in Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia.
In partnership with local NGO, Borneo Conservation Trust and the Sabah Wildlife Department, we aim to aid and assist a dedicated elephant sanctuary BES (Borneo Elephant Sanctuary) within the Lower Kinabatangan Reserve. Currently we provide BES with baby formula and 800 kilos (per month) of nutrient rich food (bananas and sweet potatoes) , delivered twice a week as well as pay the salaries for 3 elephant keepers at Lok Kawi Wildlife Park.
Our Mission is delivered in alignment with the Elephant Action Plan (2020-2029) as proposed by the Sabah Wildlife Department, Danau Girang Field Centre, HUTAN and Project Seratu Aatai.
Potential Extinction - A Serious Problem
Bornean elephants are unique to Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. They occur in forested areas in the Lower Kinabatangan, Tabin and Central Sabah in the Danum Valley. They are genetically distinct from other Asian elephant species (Sharma & Goossens 2017) and estimated to be less than 1,200 in the wild.
In 2018 32 (reported) elephants have died and 2019 30 deaths were reported and this year is undetermined. They are dying from habitat fragmentation and loss, poaching, and illegal killing, snare trapping and illegal trade, human-elephant conflict as well as poor public awareness about the conservation needs for the species.
In 2013, 14 pygmy elephants were found dead, while many more from the same herd were suspected to have died as well in Gunang Rara Forest Reserve, in an area being cleared for plantations. Autopsies later revealed they were deliberately poisoned – the only surviving member of this herd was baby Joey (seen above) who now lives at Lok Kawi Wildlife Park.
Elephants in Captivity
There are currently 25 elephants in human care, 16 at Lok Kawi Zoo, 6 at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Facility, 3 at Borneo Elephant Sanctuary (BES).
Orphaned elephants are often found wandering in plantations without their mother or other members of the herd. Usually this is due to human elephant conflict as elephants are chased out of human populated areas with fire, firecrackers or tractors. In an effort to escape the conflict, and out of fear the herd will run off in haste and the babies can rarely keep up.
The situation for the Bornean elephants is now desperate.
Immediate ProjectOur primary objective is to raise funding for the development of a 4-acre Eco-Farm located alongside BES, the only elephant sanctuary in Borneo, where we plan to plant fruiting trees and grasses favoured by the elephants to create a sustainable food source. These elephants can eat up to 150 kilos of food per day and funding for food and supplements have been in very short supply to date.
Our project will provide employment opportunities for local community members, and BES will provide an educational space for raising awareness on elephant conservation and business opportunities for tourism and volunteer networks.
Construction of the elephant housing and play yard has already started with all permits for this site. It is projected to be complete by end of 2021.
The Borneo Elephant Sanctuary (BES) was launched by Datuk Masidi Manjun, Minister of Tourism Culture and Environment for the Sabah Government in September 2013. Borneo’s first and only Elephant Sanctuary is located at the entrance to the Lower Kinabatangan Landscape Corridor and will provide a refuge for displaced, injured and orphaned elephants be cared for, receive medical attention and be rehabilitated for possible future release.
Working in collaboration with the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) and NGO Borneo Conservation Trust (BCT), we (BWP) are fundraising to complete the design of the 4-acre eco-farm located on this property. This is a much-needed project as food is costly and always a concern. This will provide a long-term food source for the elephants.
The front of the sanctuary will be open to the public, providing income for future sustainability, with a large viewing area providing natural observation areas, information and education about the elephants.
Operations
Working alongside our partner, Borneo Conservation Trust (BCT), we are running regular visits to our project sites to monitor progress as well as coordination of visits with international guests and donors who are interested in local involvement and conservation efforts.
BWP currently operates via online fundraising, local and international events and good will. In August 2018 we commenced our first round of grant applications, these will be submitted on a rolling basis until suitable partners are found.
Board Members
Katerina Pirelli - President & Founder
Marcel Peters - Vice President & Elephant Traîner
Jennifer Nicholson - Associate Director
Patrick Zucchetta - Treasurer
DJ Weaver - Secretary
Team Members
Julia Riva - Development Coordinator
Rachel Bradley - Marketing Manager
Sabrina Czibor - Social Media Manager
