60 hours left to help save the Asian elephant

There are only a few days left for elephant lovers to take part in the intu Elephant Parade online auction, for a chance to own a stunning original art piece and support Asian elephant conservation (www.intuelephantparade.co.uk/elephants)

Elephant Parade returned to London one year ago this week - a herd of 30 full size baby elephant statues - setting off on a 13-stop tour of the UK. Presented by intu, the education-focused tour has connected with over 30 million people, attracted elephant designs from 10,000 people and 75 schools have created elephant statues that have joined the tour.

For the final month of the tour, the focus has moved to finding homes for the 30 tour elephants that set out from London on their unforgettable journey. Artists and celebrities spanning all corners of the country have created each of these pieces. With an aim to raise £150,000 for The Asian Elephant Foundation, half the elephants sold at a ‘buy now’ price within the first 10 days, but with a few days to go there are still some beauties left that need a new home.

Looking for a new home:

Red Arrow: an iconic British design and Elephant Parade’s first aeroplane. Inspired by a child’s design and brought to life by Richard Powell.

Razzle Dazzle: top costume designer Sheara Abrahams created a 1920s art deco themed elephant featuring the first catwalk to appear on an Elephant Parade elephant.

Beethoven: pop band Union J collaborated with Martin Wall for a striking elephant that joined the tour in Spring 2014. The elephant is a design of four quarters – a piece designed by each member of the band.

Stop the traffic: with worldwide opposition to the ivory trade gaining momentum, this dramatic piece by Christine Wilcox-Baker carries a strong conservation message.

Mega Nova and Spirit: to celebrate Elephant Parade’s first visit to Cardiff city centre in December 2013, BBC’s Alex Jones and illustrator Pete Fowler both created elephants to join the tour. Pete’s design Mega Nova reflects his classic album cover designs and Alex Jones collaborated with fashion duo Mercy Delta to produce the flamboyant design Spirit.

Get involved:

The low cost online auction ensures that maximum funds go directly to support front line elephant conservation projects. Event organisers have also made the process simple for bidders and prospective elephant owners:

·  All elephants have a protective topcoat, which makes them suitable for outdoor use.

·  The tour plinth is included in the sale price of each elephant.

·  Tour logistics firm Expo World Logistics can quote to deliver the elephant direct to your door. Having transported elephants all around the UK for the last year – this is a firm that knows how to move elephants around!

Carmen Rademaker, Director of The Asian Elephant Foundation: “Thank you to our friends and supporters in the United Kingdom and a special thanks to intu for making this national tour possible. We recognise not only the contribution of all those who have bought the painted elephants during their travels through the UK, but also those who have been moved to learn more about these magnificent animals. The proceeds from the auction of the beautiful full size sculptures will make a significant contribution to the work and projects that we support. For your understanding of the issues in respect of elephant conservation and your support for the work of TAEF, we are eternally grateful.”