DAILY MOM: 25 Hottest Summer Toys For Kids {2022}

School is out, and summer is finally here! So if you are doing a staycation and want to keep the kids active with toys that will keep them moving and using their imagination, then this guide is for you! We feature the most incredible summer toys for kids, from rollerskates to gardening tools, that will occupy their extra time and keep them stimulated. So to become the neighborhood’s favorite parent, just buy any of these hot summer toys for kids!

Educate your children about elephant poaching and how to protect them. The founders of The Elephant Project, Olivia Chantecaille and Kristina McKean are passionate about saving animals, especially African orphan elephants. So the company’s founders created a limited-edition elephant plush doll to inspire the next generation of conservationists.

The cute 8″ elephant doll Kiki is made out of soft gray fabric and a beautiful pink dress. The adorable 8″ stuffed lion doll named OBA, meaning ‘King Ruler” in West Africa, is made of soft tan fabric and a white jacket. In addition to fighting poaching, 100% of net proceeds support organizations that care for injured, abandoned, orphaned, and abused big cats and elephants.

So this summer, surprise your little one with adorable plushes from Elephant Project, and get ready to make a difference with these great summer toys for kids!

Wall Street Business News: The Elephant Project x Chantecaille in Support of African elephants

APNews.com: The Elephant Project X Chantecaille in Support of African Elephants

“As the founder of The Elephant Project and a dedicated conservationist, I love that Chantecaille’s products help make a difference for animals globally. I am honored to collaborate with Olivia Chantecaille and know that this collaboration will help bring awareness and funds for elephants that face a myriad of threats including deforestation, climate change and manmade abuse. Chantecaille’s continued passion for philanthropy is admirable, and I am thrilled to be able to collaborate with them to take steps towards protecting these gentle animals.” — Kristina McKean

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION TO COMMIT TO CONSERVATION 
Kiki and Tembo help educate children and their parents about the importance of protecting elephants and big cats from environmental factors, abandonment, abuse and the brutal training methods used to prepare them for circuses and other performances.

“What gives me so much joy and hope is that these sweet elephants, Kiki and Tembo, can help educate children and their parents on how important the elephant—and conservation—are. They allow us to help our amazing clients implement change by supporting the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. We set an example for the future, for generations to come” — Olivia Chantecaille

Proceeds from Kiki and Tembo will benefit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an organization that the Chantecaille family and Kristina McKean, founder of The Elephant Project, have long supported, in their efforts to protect elephants in their ecosystems and to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned baby elephants.

“I am extremely passionate about making a difference for elephants globally and grateful for this amazing platform to help raise funds and awareness for them. I believe that we need to teach our children that one person can make a difference and we all have a responsibility to be the voice for the voiceless.” — Kristina McKean

100% of net proceeds go to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) to help aid in fighting the poaching crisis and also provide care to injured, abandoned, orphaned and abused elephants.

265 
Orphans successfully raised

173 Elephant orphans 
successfully reintegrated back to the wild

More than 3,000 elephants 
(almost 10% of Kenya’s entire population) have been attended to by the SWT/Kenya Wildlife Services Veterinary Teams

STOCKISTS 
The Elephant Project X Chantecaille Kiki and Tembo plush elephant dolls will be available for purchase in April for $45 USD at www.chantecaille.com and www.theelephantproject.com.

About The Elephant Project

@TheElephantProjectOfficial

Founded in 2017 by Kristina McKean, The Elephant Project is a California-based organization that donates 100% of its net proceeds to helping save animals worldwide and educating children and their parents about the threats facing wildlife. Through its partners, which include the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Elephant Nature Park and Elephant Cooperation, The Elephant Project has helped rescue and protect over 300 elephants.

About Chantecaille

@Chantecaille

Chantecaille has been at the forefront of luxury skincare and cosmetics built on a uniquely high concentration of natural ingredients since the company was founded by Sylvie Chantecaille in 1998. The line stands out for the extensive research and technological innovation invested in each cruelty-free ground- breaking botanical-infused formula. Also integral to the brand’s mission is a deep commitment to philanthropy and conservation, which has become the company’s platform for activism and change.

Media Contact (Not for Public): Ryan Walker ryan@mecoy.net (310) 529-3214

StreetInsider.com: The Elephant Project X Chantecaille in Support of African Elephants

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., April 12, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In honor of Earth Day, April 22nd, 2022, The Elephant Project and Chantecaille are partnering together after bonding over their shared mutual love, respect and passion for saving African elephants. This joyful collaboration, in benefit of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, includes two limited-edition elephant plush dolls in floral-adorned outfits designed by Chantecaille’s Co-Founder and Creative Director Olivia Chantecaille. Proceeds from the sales will directly benefit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, one of Africa’s oldest wildlife charities and a leading conservation organization that protects African elephants and other wildlife.

“It is no secret how much my family and I love elephants. At Chantecaille, we are wild about nature—inspired by it, motivated by it, and do all we can to preserve it. I was thrilled to design two darling elephant dolls that help share that message with our younger generation. I would like to share, especially with children, that every little thing you do to help, can make a difference for today and especially for our future.” — Olivia Chantecaille

The two elephant dolls, Kiki and Tembo, were created to inspire young animal lovers (and those young at heart) to take action and help protect elephants from the many challenges they face in the wild. Olivia Chantecaille designed the limited-edition outfits after a trip to Africa with her daughter Delphina. “My vision was floral ensembles for Kiki and Tembo inspired by life in Africa: embodying Chantecaille’s commitment to conservation and love of florals,” says Olivia.

Kiki and Tembo are 8” soft grey elephant dolls made of cotton and polyester with removable outfits and are recommended for ages 3 and older.

“As the founder of The Elephant Project and a dedicated conservationist, I love that Chantecaille’s products help make a difference for animals globally. I am honored to collaborate with Olivia Chantecaille and know that this collaboration will help bring awareness and funds for elephants that face a myriad of threats including deforestation, climate change and manmade abuse. Chantecaille’s continued passion for philanthropy is admirable, and I am thrilled to be able to collaborate with them to take steps towards protecting these gentle animals.” — Kristina McKean

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION TO COMMIT TO CONSERVATIONKiki and Tembo help educate children and their parents about the importance of protecting elephants and big cats from environmental factors, abandonment, abuse and the brutal training methods used to prepare them for circuses and other performances.

“What gives me so much joy and hope is that these sweet elephants, Kiki and Tembo, can help educate children and their parents on how important the elephant—and conservation—are. They allow us to help our amazing clients implement change by supporting the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. We set an example for the future, for generations to come” — Olivia Chantecaille

Proceeds from Kiki and Tembo will benefit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an organization that the Chantecaille family and Kristina McKean, founder of The Elephant Project, have long supported, in their efforts to protect elephants in their ecosystems and to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned baby elephants.

“I am extremely passionate about making a difference for elephants globally and grateful for this amazing platform to help raise funds and awareness for them. I believe that we need to teach our children that one person can make a difference and we all have a responsibility to be the voice for the voiceless.” — Kristina McKean

100% of net proceeds go to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) to help aid in fighting the poaching crisis and also provide care to injured, abandoned, orphaned and abused elephants.

265Orphans successfully raised

173 Elephant orphanssuccessfully reintegrated back to the wild

More than 3,000 elephants(almost 10% of Kenya’s entire population) have been attended to by the SWT/Kenya Wildlife Services Veterinary Teams

STOCKISTSThe Elephant Project X Chantecaille Kiki and Tembo plush elephant dolls will be available for purchase in April for $45 USD at www.chantecaille.com and www.theelephantproject.com.

About The Elephant Project

@TheElephantProjectOfficial

Founded in 2017 by Kristina McKean, The Elephant Project is a California-based organization that donates 100% of its net proceeds to helping save animals worldwide and educating children and their parents about the threats facing wildlife. Through its partners, which include the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Elephant Nature Park and Elephant Cooperation, The Elephant Project has helped rescue and protect over 300 elephants.

About Chantecaille

@Chantecaille

Chantecaille has been at the forefront of luxury skincare and cosmetics built on a uniquely high concentration of natural ingredients since the company was founded by Sylvie Chantecaille in 1998. The line stands out for the extensive research and technological innovation invested in each cruelty-free ground- breaking botanical-infused formula. Also integral to the brand’s mission is a deep commitment to philanthropy and conservation, which has become the company’s platform for activism and change.

Media Contact (Not for Public):
Ryan Walker
ryan@mecoy.net
(310) 529-3214

Observer: The Sustainably-Focused Skincare Brands to Shop for Earth Day—And Always

It’s always important to be mindful of the environmental impact that our consumer habits have on the planet, and especially so during Earth Month. This year, consider making at least one eco-friendly swap in your daily routine, and more specifically, in your beauty regimen. While the beauty industry has long been one of the worst offenders in polluting the earth and draining natural resources, there’s been a positive turn around over the past several years, as numerous skincare brands have made a concerted effort to adopt more sustainable practices.

Unfortunately, there’s still a ton of greenwashing in the beauty industry, and it’s difficult to definitively label a brand as “clean” due to the lack of regulations and official certifications. While the beauty industry has a long way to go to achieve a more sustainable future, the good news is that plenty of brands are doing their part to get there, including employing more eco-friendly and ethical actions when sourcing ingredients and packaging products, as well as implementing environmentally-focused recycling initiatives and programs.

Even though there’s still major work to be done, every small change helps, so take a step in the right direction and make an effort to purchase your beauty products from sustainably-focused brands, whenever possible. It’s always important to shop with purpose, and if you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. Earth Day 2022 is coming up on April 22, so get a little head start today. Below, see the worthy skincare brands that are giving back and focusing on sustainability initiatives this Earth Day.

Chantecaille

Luxe beauty brand Chantecaille has worked on multiple charitable collections and initiatives this year, and their most recent collab with The Elephant Project, just in time for Earth Day, is all about teaching the importance of conservation from a young age. The collection includes two limited edition elephant dolls, which can be purchased solo or with the new Bebe Face and Body Collection. All proceeds from the plush toys are donated to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. And don’t forget that all of the brand’s products are formulated without phthalates, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, palm oil and GMOs.

Earth.com: The Elephant Project inspires us to be the voice for the voiceless

For Earth Day, Chantecaille is partnering with The Elephant Project to sell plush toys to promote elephant conservation. Chantecaille is a cruelty free, botanical-based cosmetic company.

Together, the organizations have created two limited edition plush elephants wearing floral outfits designed by Chantecaille co-founder and Creative Director Olivia Chantecaille. The proceeds of the plush sales will be given to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. 

“It is no secret how much my family and I love elephants. At Chantecaille, we are wild about nature – inspired by it, motivated by it, and do all we can to preserve it,” said Chantecaille.

“I was thrilled to design two darling elephant dolls that help share that message with our younger generation. I would like to share, especially with children, that every little thing you do to help, can make a difference for today and especially for our future.”

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is one of Africa’s oldest conservation organizations. Sheldrick is best known for operating one of the most successful orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation programs in the world. This is necessitated when poaching destroys elephant families, leaving the young alone without milk or guidance.  

The organization also rescues giraffes and rhinos. Veterinarians are dispatched to help threatened wildlife and help wild animals escape from snares. 

Sheldrick is active in fighting poaching with aerial surveillance, deploying twenty two on the ground anti poaching units as well as canine units. The organization also engages in community outreach to promote understanding and care for wildlife and border maintenance to minimize wildlife-human conflict. If a plush toy isn’t your thing, you can still support Sheldrick directly.  

For everyone else, it’s hoped that not only will the profits from the elephant plush toys rescue elephants but that the toys will inspire the children that receive them to care about animal conservation.

“I am extremely passionate about making a difference for elephants globally and grateful for this amazing platform to help raise funds and awareness for them,” said Kristina McKean, founder of The Elephant Project.

“I believe that we need to teach our children that one person can make a difference and we all have a responsibility to be the voice for the voiceless.”

—

By Zach Fitzner, Earth.com Staff Writer

The Elephant Project x Chantecaille in Support Of African Elephants

Inspiring the Next Generation of Young Conservationists

In honor of Earth Day, April 22nd, 2022, The Elephant Project and Chantecaille are partnering together after bonding over their shared mutual love, respect and passion for saving African elephants. This joyful collaboration, in benefit of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, includes two limited-edition elephant plush dolls in floral-adorned outfits designed by Chantecaille’s Co-Founder and Creative Director Olivia Chantecaille. Proceeds from the sales will directly benefit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, one of Africa’s oldest wildlife charities and a leading conservation organization that protects African elephants and other wildlife.

“It is no secret how much my family and I love elephants. At Chantecaille, we are wild about nature—inspired by it, motivated by it, and do all we can to preserve it. I was thrilled to design two darling elephant dolls that help share that message with our younger generation. I would like to share, especially with children, that every little thing you do to help, can make a difference for today and especially for our future.” — Olivia Chantecaille

 The two elephant dolls, Kiki and Tembo, were created to inspire young animal lovers (and those young at heart) to take action and help protect elephants from the many challenges they face in the wild. Olivia Chantecaille designed the limited-edition outfits after a trip to Africa with her daughter Delphina. “My vision was floral ensembles for Kiki and Tembo inspired by life in Africa: embodying Chantecaille’s commitment to conservation and love of florals,” says Olivia.

Kiki and Tembo are 8” soft grey elephant dolls made of cotton and polyester with removable outfits and are recommended for ages 3 and older.

“As the founder of The Elephant Project and a dedicated conservationist, I love that Chantecaille’s products help make a difference for animals globally. I am honored to collaborate with Olivia Chantecaille and know that this collaboration will help bring awareness and funds for elephants that face a myriad threats including deforestation, climate change and manmade abuse. Chantecaille’s continued passion for philanthropy is admirable, and I am thrilled to be able to collaborate with them to take steps towards protecting these gentle animals.” — Kristina McKean

Inspiring the Next Generation to Commit To Conservation

Kiki and Tembo help educate children and their parents about the importance of protecting elephants and big cats from environmental factors, abandonment, abuse and the brutal training methods used to prepare them for circuses and other performances.

“What gives me so much joy and hope is that these sweet elephants, Kiki and Tembo, can help educate children and their parents on how important the elephant—and conservation—are. They allow us to help our amazing clients implement change by supporting the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. We set an example for the future, for generations to come” — Olivia Chantecaille

Proceeds from Kiki and Tembo will benefit theSheldrick Wildlife Trust, an organization that the Chantecaille family and Kristina McKean, founder of The Elephant Project, have long supported, in their efforts to protect elephants in their ecosystems and to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned baby elephants.

“I am extremely passionate about making a difference for elephants globally and grateful for this amazing platform to help raise funds and awareness for them. I believe that we need to teach our children that one person can make a difference and we all have a responsibility to be the voice for the voiceless.” — Kristina McKean

 100% of net proceeds go to theSheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) to help aid in fighting the poaching crisis and also provide care to injured, abandoned, orphaned and abused elephants.

– 265 orphans successfully raised

– 173 elephant orphans successfully reintegrated back to the wild

– More than 3,000 elephants (almost 10% of Kenya’s entire population) have been attended to by the SWT/Kenya Wildlife Services Veterinary Teams

Chantecaille’s Bebe Collection

When Olivia Chantecaille’s daughter was born in 2013, she realized products as perfectly formulated as the Chantecaille favorites she used on herself didn’t exist for little ones, so she sought out to create them.

Inspired by the most nurturing mama of all—Mother Nature—Chantecaille Bébé introduces a new way to care for your baby: a pure, plant-powered line of COSMOS certified organic skincare and bath-care products mothers will covet— and perhaps use themselves. The Bébé Collection is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, COSMOS certified, dermatologically tested and allergy tested, 100% free from gluten, soy, dairy, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and dyes.

Stockists

The Elephant Project X Chantecaille Kiki and Tembo plush elephant dolls will be available for purchase in April for $45 USD at www.chantecaille.com and www.theelephantproject.com.

The Chantecaille Bébé line is available for purchase at www.chantecaille.com. 

About The Elephant Project: 

@TheElephantProjectOfficial

Founded in 2017 by Kristina McKean, The Elephant Project is a California-based organization that donates 100% of its net proceeds to helping save animals worldwide and educating children and their parents about the threats facing wildlife. Through its partners, which include the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Elephant Nature Park and Elephant Cooperation, The Elephant Project has helped rescue and protect over 300 elephants.

About Chantecaille

@Chantecaille

Chantecaille has been at the forefront of luxury skincare and cosmetics built on a uniquely high concentration of natural ingredients since the

company was founded by Sylvie Chantecaille in 1998. The line stands out for the extensive research and technological innovation invested in each cruelty-free ground-breaking botanical-infused formula. Also integral to the brand’s mission is a deep commitment to philanthropy and conservation, which has become the company’s platform for activism and change.

China Vogue: The Elephant Project X Chantecaille 支持保育非洲大象 启发下一代年轻保育者

香缇卡联合创办人兼创意总监 Olivia Chantecaille 为今次的联乘项目设计出两只身穿缤纷花卉服装的限量版毛绒大象玩偶，并拨捐全数净收益以支持 非洲最具历史的野生动物慈善机构之一，同时也是保护非洲大象和其他野生动物的先驱—Sheldrick Wildlife Trust。

「大家都很了解我和家人对大象的热爱。香缇卡关爱大自然，不但受其启发、被其推动，更竭尽所能地 保护它。我很高兴能设计出两只可爱的大象毛绒玩偶，将保育讯息传达给下一代，让孩童们知道，即使是 一个小小的援助行动，都能为今日及不久的未来带来重大改变。」Olivia Chantecaille。

为启发热爱动物的孩童们或心境年轻的人士采取积极行动，帮助大象免受于野外 生存所面临的诸多挑战，我们设计了这两只分别名为 Kiki 及 Tembo 的可爱大象毛绒玩偶。而大象玩偶身穿的限量版彩色花卉衣服是 Olivia Chantecaille 与女儿 Delphina 同游非洲后所设计。 Olivia 表示：「我的灵感来自于非洲的生活，希望透过为 Kiki 及 Tembo 设计花卉衣服，展现香缇卡对保育的承诺及花卉的热爱。」 8 吋高的 Kiki 及 Tembo 采用纯棉及聚酯纤维制成，身上的衣服可互换搭配，适合 3 岁或以上孩童。

「作为 The Elephant Project 的创办人和保育工作者，我很欣赏香缇卡透过产品为全球动物带来改变。 我很荣幸能与 Olivia Chantecaille 合作，提高公众意识，关注受到森林砍伐、气候变化和人为祸害等无数威胁的大象，并为此筹集资金。香缇卡对慈善事业的不懈努力及热忱令人钦佩，我很高兴能够与他们合作，采取行动保护这些温顺的动物。 」Kristina McKean 表示。

启发新一代对环境保育的承诺

设计 Kiki 及 Tembo 的用意在于灌输孩童及其父母有关保护大象及大型猫科动物的 知识，了解动物们正受到环境因素、弃养、虐待及为马戏团或其他表演而作出的 残忍训练等问题及重要性。

「可爱的 Kiki 及 Tembo 有助孩童及父母了解大象及保育的重要性，为我带来无比的喜悦及希望。是次合作让我们与顾客携手，一同以行动支持 Sheldrick Wildlife Trust，带来改变并借此为后代留下美好的范例，谱出 更有希望的未来。 」Olivia Chantecaille。

Kiki 及 Tembo 的收益所支持的 Sheldrick Wildlife Trust，为香缇卡家族及 The Elephant Project 的创办人 Kristina McKean 长久以来一直支持的保育机构，致力 保护大象的生态环境，拯救孤儿幼象并帮助它们重获新生。

「我一直热衷于为全球各地的大象带来改变，感恩能有如此出色的平台，帮助筹集资金及提高公众的保育意识。我们需要教育孩童，一人之力亦能有所作为，所有人都有责任为动物发声。」 Kristina McKean。

100% 净收益捐赠予 Sheldrick Wildlife Trust，以助打击偷猎行为，并照顾受伤、 被遗弃、孤儿和受虐待的大象并提供悉心护理。

265 头孤儿大象

顺利成长

173 头孤儿大象

成功回归野外生活

超过 3,000 头大象

( 约肯亚总数的一成 ) 获得 

SWT/ 肯亚野生动物局兽医团队照料

Yahoo Finance: The Elephant Project x Chantecaille in Support of African Elephants

Inspiring the Next Generation of Young Conservationists

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., April 12, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In honor of Earth Day, April 22nd, 2022, The Elephant Project and Chantecaille are partnering together after bonding over their shared mutual love, respect and passion for saving African elephants. This joyful collaboration, in benefit of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, includes two limited-edition elephant plush dolls in floral-adorned outfits designed by Chantecaille’s Co-Founder and Creative Director Olivia Chantecaille. Proceeds from the sales will directly benefit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, one of Africa’s oldest wildlife charities and a leading conservation organization that protects African elephants and other wildlife.

“It is no secret how much my family and I love elephants. At Chantecaille, we are wild about nature—inspired by it, motivated by it, and do all we can to preserve it. I was thrilled to design two darling elephant dolls that help share that message with our younger generation. I would like to share, especially with children, that every little thing you do to help, can make a difference for today and especially for our future.” — Olivia Chantecaille

The two elephant dolls, Kiki and Tembo, were created to inspire young animal lovers (and those young at heart) to take action and help protect elephants from the many challenges they face in the wild. Olivia Chantecaille designed the limited-edition outfits after a trip to Africa with her daughter Delphina. “My vision was floral ensembles for Kiki and Tembo inspired by life in Africa: embodying Chantecaille’s commitment to conservation and love of florals,” says Olivia.

Kiki and Tembo are 8” soft grey elephant dolls made of cotton and polyester with removable outfits and are recommended for ages 3 and older.

“As the founder of The Elephant Project and a dedicated conservationist, I love that Chantecaille’s products help make a difference for animals globally. I am honored to collaborate with Olivia Chantecaille and know that this collaboration will help bring awareness and funds for elephants that face a myriad of threats including deforestation, climate change and manmade abuse. Chantecaille’s continued passion for philanthropy is admirable, and I am thrilled to be able to collaborate with them to take steps towards protecting these gentle animals.” — Kristina McKean

Chantecaille: Celebrating Earth Day With The Elephant Project

Celebrating Earth Day With The Elephant Project

What do you get when you dress plush elephants in spring florals? A charming conservation project we’re incredibly proud of. 

Our sweet collaboration with The Elephant Project has a mighty purpose: to raise awareness about conservation, which is urgent for these gentle giants. The Project’s founder Kristina McKean shares our passion for animals, which made her the perfect partner for Chantecaille. Kiki and Tembo, the darling stuffed elephants that our Creative Director Olivia has designed limited-edition floral outfits for, are the Project’s mascots. They serve as symbols of how important advocacy around conservation is—they have inspired countless children and grownups alike to spring into action. It was a treat to chat with McKean about her mission and our shared love of elephants. 

How did these darling stuffed elephants become your passion project?
I’ve always been a big animal advocate. Since I was born, I’ve been really passionate about helping animals. The inspiration came when I went to Thailand, and I saw this baby elephant in the street, and I came back and I was trying to figure out how to make a difference in the way elephants are treated. It started with protesting the circus. And the people that were most affected by the abuse and wanted to learn more were young girls. When I realized that that was is my market, I thought, I’ll just create a stuffed animal and I’ll donate all the proceeds. My mom was actually a toy designer when I was younger, so I had some understanding of how to do it. I always thought it was gonna be really big for some reason, and right out of the gate, it was. I can't even tell you how many kids contact me every week, saying they did a presentation about the Elephant Project, or that they used their allowance to buy one of the elephant toys because they want to help the elephants. It’s become not just a sweet gift, but a tool for awareness.

Tembo and Bèbè collection

That’s so inspiring! You’re teaching the next generation about how to make a difference.
Whenever I talk with the conservationists at the elephant sanctuaries who are concerned, or have lost hope, I tell them not to worry. Because Gen Z and this next generation are on it. I’m seeing it firsthand with my daughters—they are not fearful, they are taking on these issues. They want to make a difference and they are not waiting for older generations—they’re doing it themselves. 

Is there one single standout moment that you see as a turning point?
There have been a couple that have been game-changers. People magazine covered us and that was really like a huge push. And the Today Show, those were really significant. One of the biggest drivers though was when Lek Chailert, an elephant conservationistbased in Thailand, who has become a friend of mine, come to Santa Barbara. I wanted to screen Love and Bananas (Ashley Bell’s film about rescuing a 70-year-old Asian elephant) but I didn’t have a lot of time to make it happen. I found a theater with 450 seats, and I thought, ‘there’s no way we’ll fill them all’. But it sold out, which was amazing! And it was all these kids that came and it made such an impact. They wrote papers about it, they wanted to be a part of what we were trying to do. I had a mom from Wisconsin write to me about her daughter, who was in first grade and loved elephants, so she Googled ‘how to help elephants’ and my site came up. She saved up all of her allowance to buy an elephant toy, and then did a presentation about it for her class and it went viral. And so the school had her talk to the whole K-12 student body at an assembly and then I Zoomed in and we did a video on how to save elephants. Making an impact like that, with little kids that I don't even know, is just amazing. 

“It’s become not just a sweet gift, but a tool for awareness.”

Tell us about Earth Day. Is that a big voice moment for Elephant Project?
Definitely. I feel really happy that I’m in Santa Barbara because that’s where Earth Day started.

So many people here in this community are so passionate about saving the ocean, and the environment and animals. The town is so amazing on Earth Day, there are festivals and so much recognition—I feel like I’m sort of in the hub of it all.

Kiki and Bèbè collection

How did you get connected with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust?
I had been following them for a while, and I reached out to them because I also wanted a partner in Africa since we had an Asian elephant partner in Thailand. They used to host this race called the Enormous Elephant Run in Los Angeles, which is a fundraise and I did that for a few years, and it was such a great, energizing event to get people excited about conservation. One of my neighbors actually used to live in Africa and knew the Sheldrick family personally, and he told me about all of the work that they’ve been doing. I still have not visited yet, we had all these big plans and then Covid happened. We’ll get there. 

Is there one big picture message that you want people to take away from The Elephant Project?
I’m hoping it inspires people everywhere to think about how they treat animals and what they can do to make a difference. I want them to to consider it all: how they shouldn't ride elephants, maybe re-think how they feel about about going to zoos. I want people to understand that there are so many ways that they can make a difference, even if they don’t buy a stuffed animal. Just do what you can do—even if you don’t have a ton of money, you have your voice.