Hi, I'm Shannon :) This April, I’m running the Paris Marathon and fundraising for Elephant Nature Park / Save Elephant Foundation - a place doing truly extraordinary work for animals who have known nothing but cruelty.

Elephant Nature Park rescues sick and weak captive elephants, giving them space to heal in a natural environment. They also work directly with local communities, helping end elephant trekking and riding by offering ethical alternatives and sustainable income.

Sadly, many so-called “sanctuaries” still exploit elephants behind the scenes. The more I’ve learned, the more I’ve realised how rare and uncompromising ENP’s work really is - they stand almost alone in putting the animals first.

At their main park, they not only care for many elephants, they also look after 750 dogs saved from floods, dog-meat farms, the streets, and puppy mills (including 70+ disabled dogs given a second chance at life), 2,000+ cats, plus rescued buffalo, cows saved from slaughter, geese - and almost any animal they can help

They also run a hospital for elephants, dogs, and cats, treating not just animals in the park, but any animal in need. Their mission is simple: help as many lives as possible.

The heart-breaking truth

Almost every working elephant has endured something called “The Crush” (Pajan). As babies, they’re taken from their mothers, tied so they cannot move, starved, and severely beaten with metal hooks until their spirit is broken.

When you see a “calm” working elephant, it isn’t obedience, it’s fear. A mahout is always nearby, often with a hidden hook. The suffering doesn’t stop. Elephants used in ceremonies, circuses, painting shows, or rides are not happy or sacred - they are controlled through pain. When elephants sway side to side, they aren’t dancing; it’s a clear sign of trauma and distress.

I’m running 26.2 miles to support an organisation that fights this cruelty every single day - with compassion, integrity, love & bananas.

If you can donate, share, or simply learn more, it truly makes a difference. Thank you so much for reading and for caring

You can also volunteer / support: https://shansminibreaks.home.blog/2018/11/09/elephant-nature-park-thailand/

As Save Elephant Foundation / Elephant Nature Park is based in Thailand and isn’t supported by UK fundraising platforms, I’m collecting donations via GoFundMe. Once the marathon is done, I’ll withdraw the funds and transfer directly to them.