If we can safely drive them out, we can save their lives!

In one heart-breaking incident in South Africa, a grieving elephant from the herd went on the attack after a poacher killed her calf. She trampled a resident to death – and because of this, she and the other elephants are considered “problem” animals. This, combined with their inadvertent damage to water tanks and pipes in residential areas, means the authorities are ready to shoot them.

Credit: SABC News

The process of applying for kill permits – which we know will be granted – has only been temporarily halted because of our pledge made to hire a helicopter and move the elephants. If we cannot do it, the permit WILL be granted and the animals KILLED.

Only weeks remain to move 15 elephants, including seven calves, to safety! Please, help us. Their lives depend on it!

With your support, and together with our partner FreeMe Wildlife based in Howick, South Africa, we will hire a helicopter to safely and effectively drive the elephants into a fenced and protected reserve in Eswatini, which has agreed to provide a safe space for the elephants, and where no hunting is permitted.

Trail camera footage shows these elephants wandering around – unbeknownst to them they are in grave danger of being killed. Credit: FreeMe Wildlife

Only an expert pilot with the skills to round up and move a large, elusive herd will be able to pull off this critical mission.

In just a few weeks, summer rainfall is expected to begin, causing shrubbery to grow thicker and making it far more challenging to find the elephants from the sky and move them. Trying to move them from the ground presents a far higher risk of injury to our team and increases the chances of the mission failing.

We must move them and FAST. The elephants are in grave danger and their lives depend on being moved.

The taller the trees and shrubbery grow, the difficulty of finding these elephants increases. Credit: FreeMe Wildlife

Please help us hire a helicopter NOW.

If we can raise $5000 (roughly £4100), we will hire a helicopter, an expert pilot and logistical support in order to save the elephants’ lives.

It is a race against time to help these elephants – some are only young calves – and your donation right now can and will make a life-or-death difference.

So please donate now, and we promise to hire a helicopter and help save the animals’ lives.