Elephants Without Borders is a charity dedicated to the conservation of Africa’s wildlife through innovative research and education in the adjoining area between Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Research initiatives include the measurement of elephant stress hormones, the tracing of ivory, and data collection regarding elephants’ migratory patterns, behaviour, and habitats using tracking collars. Such research initiatives allow researchers to address complex issues regarding wildlife ecology and share the results with decision makers and local communities. This communication between stakeholders enables the effective securitisation of habitats and migratory corridors that is necessary for wildlife to flourish.
Using African elephants as an inspiration, research initiatives extend to the study of hippos’ spatial ecology, density, distribution, group size, and demographics in Botswana, as well as the rehabilitation of Chobe bushbuck. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife & National Parks, Elephants Without Borders provides rapid in-situ treatment for a range of wild animals who are suffering. Excitingly, their elephant programme has sensitively reintroduced eight disadvantaged African elephants back into the Okavango Delta in Botswana.
Elephants Without Borders also engages with local communities and schools to educate them about the surrounding wildlife and environment. This deepens individuals’ understanding of important local conservation issues and provides them with the skills and knowledge necessary to make informed and responsible decisions within their environment. Elephants Without Borders also encourages students to endeavour towards a sustainable future.
Founder, Mike Chase (PhD), has been studying the ecology of elephants since 2001. In 2003, professional photographer Kelly Landen joined Mike in co-founding and building Elephant Without Borders into the successful operating organisation it is today.
Wild Philanthropy’s vision centres around the notion that ecosystems, wildlife and communities require space to survive. We therefore recognise that as Africa’s land continues to be degraded at an alarming rate, greater human-wildlife conflict is bound to occur. However, Elephants Without Borders’ research and education programmes aim to reassure future generations that humans and wildlife can lead a prosperous and compatible future. Wild Philanthropy therefore provides a grant to Elephants Without Borders in order to ensure the continuation of conservation efforts for wildlife, the ecosystem, and the people that share it.