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.

BeautyMatter: 2022 BEAUTY LAUNCH ROUNDUP

LIMITED EDITIONS + COLLABORATIONS

The Elephant Project x Chantecaille: Bonding over their shared mutual love, respect, and passion for saving African orphan elephants, this joyful collaboration benefits the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. The collaboration consists of two limited-edition elephant plush dolls in floral-adorned outfits designed by Chantecaille's co-founder and Creative Director Olivia Chantecaille.

WWD: Chantecaille, The Elephant Project Team Up

The collaboration is both a philanthropic endeavor and part of a larger effort for younger shoppers, said Olivia Chantecaille, the brand's creative director.

Chantecaille is taking a plush approach to purpose. In partnership with The Elephant Project, the brand is releasing limited-edition stuffed animals, priced at $45 each on April 12. They will be sold on both Chantecaille’s and The Elephant Project’s websites. All of the proceeds will be donated to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which care ...

The Elephant Project’s ‘Ukraine Kiki’ Exchanges White for Ukrainian Blue and Yellow

100% of Net Proceeds From 'Ukraine Kiki' Toy Sales Will Go Directly to U Animals and UNICEF to Benefit Ukraine and its Animals

SOUTHERN CALIFORNNIA, CA, UNITED STATES, April 6, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Elephant Project, a California-based organization that’s helped save over 300 elephants worldwide and educated children about the threats to these majestic creatures, is partnering with The Elephant Cooperation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping elephants and other animals, to support Ukraine and its animals during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Elephant Project is introducing a new limited edition version of its popular plush elephant Kiki (pictured below) and donating 100% of net proceeds to organizations supporting Ukraine and its beleaguered animals.

Since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, over three million Ukrainians have fled the country and been forced to leave their homes, possessions and even animals behind. In Ukraine’s second-largest city Kharkiv, food supply challenges, shelling and missile strikes have killed hundreds of civilians and animals, including a 96-year old Holocaust survivor, and forced widespread evacuations. Ukraine’s oldest zoo, Kharkiv Zoo, was hit with heavy shelling in early March that damaged habitats and killed animals housed in the facility. According to the zoo’s representatives, many caretakers and their families are now living inside the zoo to better care for its 6,000+ animals.

To provide much-needed resources and support to these animals and others across Ukraine, The Elephant Project is introducing a new limited-edition version of its popular stuffed elephant Kiki donned in Ukraine’s national colors of azure blue and golden yellow. All proceeds from the limited edition Kiki Ukraine doll sales go to fund U Animals and UNICEF, two organizations that have worked tirelessly to help Ukraine’s animals and children. 

“Each day the risks grow for animals across Ukraine.'' said Kristina McKean, The Elephant Project’s founder. “Animals are too often overlooked as collateral damage in war, and, with the help and intense commitment of the Ukrainian people during these unprecedented times, we will do our utmost to keep them fed and safe.”

Founded in 2017 by Kristina McKean, The Elephant Project sells animal-themed merchandise for a good cause - donating 100% of its net proceeds to helping save animals worldwide and educating children and their parents about the threats these creatures face. 

In addition to helping raise funds for animals, Kiki and her fellow products Tembo and Oba help educate children and their parents about the importance of protecting elephants and other animals from environmental factors, abandonment, abuse and the brutal training methods used to prepare them for circuses and other “entertainment” purposes.

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

Ryan Walker
The Elephant Project

Famadillo.com Review: The Elephant Project

I just gave my niece the cutest gift for her baby shower and did an amazing thing in the process.

You simply must check out The Elephant Project.  I want you to meet the cutest characters around: Kiki, Tembo and Oba.

Kiki which means “new life” is an adorable 8 inch elephant doll in a light pink dress.   Tembo which means “elephant” in Swahili is an adorable 8 inch elephant doll in green overalls.  Oba which means “King Ruler” is an 8 inch stuffed lion who is sporting a white jacket and blue bow.  Each of these is $39.00.

Now here is the cool part – 100 percent of the net proceeds go to organizations that help with the poaching crisis and also help injured , abandoned, orphaned and abused elephants.  This is help right here in the United States as well as abroad.   These organizations include The Sheldrick Wildlife TrustElephant Nature Park (Thailand), and the Elephant Cooperation.  These will make sure a treasured addition to a child’s nursery and help a great cause in the process!

Want to hear more about Elephants and learn what is happening to them? Check out their educational link.  I was inspired.

Want to simply make a donation? Click this link and you are on your way to making a difference.  Check them out!

Your Modern Cottage: 2021 Holiday Gift Guide

The Elephant Project

These stuffed elephants, Kiki and Tembo, are adorable gifts and teach children how to be the voice for the voiceless.

After Kristina McKean saw elephants being abused in Thailand, she decided to use her background in product development and design to create a product that would help raise funds for elephants and create awareness for children of any age.

One hundred percent of the net proceeds goes to wildlife rescue organizations. Each elephant doll comes with a little poem, information about the plight of the elephants, and the company’s mission. For more information, visit www.elephantproject.com

The Elephant Project Expands to Protect Big Cats, Introduces Oba

The Elephant Project

Mon, December 6, 2021, 10:00 AM·3 min read

100% of Net Proceeds From The Elephant Project’s Charitable Gift Line Goes Directly to Wildlife Rescue Organizations

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Dec. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Elephant Project, a California-based organization that’s helped save over 300 elephants worldwide and educated children about the threats to these majestic creatures, is introducing a new limited edition addition to its charitable gift lineup this Holiday Season: Oba, an 8-inch stuffed lion doll made out of soft tan fabric and a white jacket.

Founded in 2017 by Kristina McKean, The Elephant Project sells animal-themed merchandise for a good cause - donating 100% of its net proceeds to helping save animals worldwide and educating children and their parents about the threats these creatures face. With the help of its partners, which include Sheldrick Wildlife TrustElephant Nature Park and Elephant Cooperation, The Elephant Project has helped rescue and protect over 300 elephants and educated thousands of children and parents across the globe about the dangers these animals face.

“Oba, whose name translates to ‘Ruler’ in in the Yoruba and Bini languages of West Africa, represents the next step in The Elephant Project’s mission,” said Kristina McKean, The Elephant Project’s founder. “Like the elephants that inspired me to begin The Elephant Project, big cats face a worldwide crisis due to habitat loss, poaching and the illegal wildlife entertainment trade. This global problem requires a collective solution, and I hope that Oba will help raise funds and educate the public about the existential threats these big cats face.”

In addition to environmental threats ranging from deforestation to climate change, big cats are also subject to poaching and the illegal wildlife trade - especially for pelts or captive entertainment purposes. One simple thing we can all do to help address this issue, Ms. McKean added, is avoid taking photos with big cats in captivity who are often drugged to make them docile – a practice that has become more scrutinized in the United States since the release of Netflix’s hit show “Tiger King.”

Every dollar from Oba’s sales will go to organizations around the world that protect and rescue big cats from the dangers of trophy hunting and loss of wildlife habitat, including Animal Defenders International.

The Elephant Project began in 2001 when Ms. McKean first witnessed the casual abuse of a baby elephant while on her honeymoon in Thailand. She was determined to make a difference and to educate the next generation about the importance of protecting elephants. She drew on her past expertise in product marketing to create a variety of animal-themed merchandise including Oba and two plush elephant toys, named Kiki and Tembo (Swahili for “new life” and “elephant” respectively), and every dollar made from these sales to organizations that fight poaching and provide care to injured, abused and abandoned animals.

Oba, Kiki and Tembo also 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 “entertainment” purposes.

To purchase Oba, Kiki and Tembo today, click here. To donate directly, click here.

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