The Elephant Conservation and Research Fund proudly supports the Elephant Rewilding Reserve, a transformative initiative that represents the most ambitious elephant welfare and conservation project in Africa. The Elephant Reintegration Trust and Bring The Elephant Home are partnering to advance the science of elephant rewilding while giving South Africa’s captive elephants the freedom and dignity they deserve.
Over ninety captive elephants currently live in South Africa with no sustainable plan for their ethical retirement. The welfare of these elephants, used in tourist entertainment, is a pressing concern. But until now, there has been no comprehensive solution for their transition to the wild. The vision is ambitious: to make South Africa the first country in Africa entirely free of captive elephants for human entertainment. This achievement will set a global precedent for elephant welfare and conservation.
The Science of Second Chances
Rewilding isn’t just about releasing elephants—it’s about conducting sound research to understand how captive elephants can successfully reintegrate into natural habitats and family groups. The Elephant Rewilding Reserve will offer a controlled environment for studying elephant reintegration, providing invaluable data on how captive elephants relearn natural behaviors, manage social reintegration processes and herd formation, recover psychologically from captivity trauma, undergo physical rehabilitation, and impact habitat restoration and ecosystem health.
Every aspect of the rewilding process is grounded in scientific methodology, from initial health assessments and behavioral evaluations to long-term monitoring of reintegrated elephants.
A Comprehensive Conservation Model
The Elephant Rewilding Reserve model actively involves local communities, creating educational opportunities, employment, and fostering conservation awareness while generating sustainable revenue through ethical, small-scale ecotourism. Released elephants will contribute to habitat restoration and biodiversity conservation, demonstrating the vital ecological role elephants play as ecosystem engineers. Success in South Africa will provide the scientific framework and operational model for elephant rewilding projects worldwide. Supporting the Elephant Rewilding Reserve means funding research that will benefit elephant conservation for decades to come. Every dollar directly improves the lives of elephants currently suffering in captivity, offering them a path to freedom and dignity. The methodologies, protocols, and infrastructure developed through this project will enable similar initiatives across Africa and Asia, multiplying the impact exponentially.
Join Us in Making a Global Impact
We are dedicated to groundbreaking research, conservation, and advocacy for elephants and their habitats. The Elephant Rewilding Reserve depends on visionary partners—philanthropic donors, corporate sponsors, media collaborators, and strategic alliances—who share our mission of ensuring a future where elephants and ecosystems thrive.
Ways to Partner with Us
Major Philanthropic Giving
Your significant financial contribution can directly support critical research, habitat conservation, and innovative solutions to human-elephant coexistence. We welcome individual philanthropists, family foundations, and corporate donors who want to make a lasting difference.
Corporate Partnerships
Align your brand with a globally recognized mission. By becoming a corporate partner, your company can support conservation initiatives, sustainable tourism, and innovative habitat enhancements while demonstrating strong ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) leadership.
Media & Global Awareness Collaboration
Amplify our mission by partnering with filmmakers, journalists, influencers, and media outlets to bring elephant conservation into the global spotlight. Let’s work together to inspire action through compelling storytelling.
Institutional & Government Collaborations
We welcome strategic alliances with universities, research institutions, NGOs, and government agencies to advance conservation science, policy advocacy, and sustainable development initiatives.
Let’s Create Meaningful Change Together
We invite you to be part of this transformative movement, driving large-scale impact at a global scale. If you or your organization are interested in collaborating, please reach out to discuss custom partnership opportunities and for more information.
