Nepal Elephant Walk Sanctuary

Nepal is a mystical country, of breathtaking mountains (the Himalayas) and lush jungles. Many people visit Nepal every year, hoping to catch a glimpse of Mt. Everest or even climb the world's highest peak. But few people know that Nepal is also home to over 200 critically endangered Asian Elephants. Sadly, life for most of these intelligent and emotional
creatures is anything but wonderful. 
Nearly all of the elephants in Nepal are used as beasts of burden, forced to work long hours in bitter cold or blazing heat, carrying tourists in
"jungle trekking" expeditions and kept chained in small spaces when
their work day is done. According to some sources as many as 20% of the working elephants in Nepal suffer from tuberculosis, a highly
contagious disease. 

Added to this situation is the illegal importation of elderly and sick
elephants from neighboring India and the brutal training methods used  to "break" baby elephants in order for them to accept the saddle and
the work. It is the saddest situation imaginable. 

Shockingly, in a country with so many elephants, to date there is not a 
single, humane or ethical sanctuary in all of Nepal. 

Fortunately that is about to change. Nepal Elephant Walk Sanctuary, 
a registered charity in Canada, has found suitable land and has been 
granted ongoing rights to allow elephants free browsing in the jungle     
that is next to the property. 

Founder, Coranne Plummer has been reaching out to international 
elephant experts and Nepalese elephant lovers to lay the ground work for the first EVER ethical sanctuary for formerly abused, sick and 
elderly elephants in Nepal.  Though a lot has been done, there is still a 
lot more to do. Eventually it is hoped that enough money can be raised 
to purchase additional plots and save additional elephants. Unlike what
is typical in Europe or the US- many owners of elephants are searching 
for cost effective homes for their elderly elephants. There is no                 
shortage of elephants needing happy homes in Nepal. 

With this first fund raising push we hope to be able to put up elephant 
appropriate fencing and build basic structures to house staff, mahouts and volunteers. The ultimate objective is to expand and be able to 
provide life long care for many of these gentle and amazing creatures. 

Further N.E.W.S. Sanctuary plans to spread humane education, support
local communities through sustainable projects and continue to 
improve the lives of elephants in Nepal and throughout the world. 

None of this can happen without the support of elephant lovers around the world. We are deeply grateful to any help you can provide. 

It is worth noting that there will be no riding, bathing shows, breeding
or performing at N.E.W.S, the ultimate objective is to allow elephants 
to return to a nurtured, state as close to nature as possible.