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
Website
