Elephant Parade Luxemburg finale:

Elephant Parade Luxemburg finale: 305,000 Euros raised for Asian elephant conservation

Over the last three months, 95 artistically designed baby elephants have thrilled passers-by, created a stir, been photographed, hugged and climbed. The Elephant Parade is now over, but the end is just as spectacular: the grand finale started last night in Luxemburg with the auctioning of the first 24 elephants at the Geeseknäppchen Forum.

Proceeds from last night’s charity auction in Luxemburg – totalling 305.500 Euros - went to “The Asian Elephant Foundation”. Reputable German art auctioneer VAN HAM ensured everything went off without a hitch, with the hammer dropping virtually every minute.

The auction venue was filled to capacity with art enthusiasts, conservationists and Elephant Parade’s loyal followers. Prior to the auction, Elephant Parade’s guests  enjoyed a colourful, exciting evening, which included a live cooking dinner with star chef Wolfgang Becker (Becker’s Trier) and lounge entertainment with DJs, club music and saxophone sounds.

Lit up spectacularly, many of the elephant statues drew high bids from the auction guests. Patrons had the opportunity to submit a binding bid online beforehand. The highest bid of 30,000 Euros for the endangered Asian elephant was reached by elephant “Fragile Family”, decorated by the artist Sé van Weert.

Remand Houben, Director of The Asian Elephant Foundation: “Tonight has been yet another milestone for Elephant Parade and the work of The Asian Elephant Foundation, which is dedicated to securing the future of the Asian elephant. The people of Luxemburg have made this Parade very special and their support for the auction is been so impressive.”

Elephant Parade founder, Mike Spits added: “2013 has been the most important year to date for Elephant Parade. For the first time, this summer and autumn Elephant Parades have been activated at the same time in different places around the world. We have made our USA debut in California, our elephants have returned to London and visited Manchester in the UK and we have run our first expos in the wonderful cities of Luxemburg and Trier.  The auction last night captured the energy, excitement and passion that makes Elephant Parade auctions so special and we look forward to the engagement of the bidders in Trier next Saturday for the the second auction.“

Reservations for the auction in Trier are still possible.

Another 24 elephant statues will be auctioned on Saturday, 26 October, at the Bobinet Quartier in Trier. You can make a reservation for this event by contacting Ms. Stephanie Ertmer (0049 (0)651 / 82 46 221. Further information to the charity auctions under www.elephantauction.de.

In terms of the rest of the 95 elephants, the respective sponsors have already exercised their pre-emption right. These elephants will thus continue to be seen around Trier and Luxemburg – just in different locations.