Animal Welfare France Project #66430

Funds for European sanctuary for retired elephants

by Elephant Haven - European Elephant Sanctuary (EHEES)

Funds for European sanctuary for retired elephants

Project Report | Apr 30, 2025
Elephant Haven: News from 1st Quarter 2025

By Pascal Picard | Project Leader

The extension map

Update on EHEES Extension Works

We take this opportunity in our quarterly report to share the latest news regarding the expansion of EHEES.

As many of you already know, Gandhi and Delhi arrived at the sanctuary in 2021 and 2022, respectively. We continue to work diligently toward increasing our capacity to welcome additional residents. This initiative is being carried out pragmatically, in alignment with current legal requirements and in response to the direct placement requests we regularly receive. Our current accommodation capacity is significantly limited, and the need to expand has become both evident and urgent.

In 2024, we received a favorable recommandation from the Prefecture of Haute-Vienne for the expansion of our capacity to accommodate more female elephants.

The extension works include:

Fencing of new outdoor enclosures, fully connected together, also to existing enclosures of Delhi and Gandhi;
Extend water and electricity supply to the new areas;
Construction of Barn #2;
Construction of a caregivers area, storage for hay, material, agriculture machines, food, et., storage for elephant poo, etc.;
Purchase of an additional 20-hectare plot of adjacent land, which we rent;
Construction of a multi-purpose building (office, reception, and shop) using eco-friendly materials.

Please refer to the attached map (Photo #1. The extension map) for the layout of the new enclosures and Barn #2.

Thanks to your generosity and the on-site efforts of many amazing inviduals, we have already made significant progress:

The creation of an access road at the future location of Barn #2 has begun (Photo #2. Building an access road).
We have completed the setting and alignment of fence posts for the future outdoor enclosures (Photo #3. Burial and alignment of fence posts).
Work is underway to establish the connection between the existing enclosures and the future ones (Photo #4. Future connection with first enclosures).

Life at the Sanctuary

Meanwhile, life continues at the sanctuary.

This is spring time, and the grass is lush and rich, so Gandhi & Delhi are grazing all day and night! And we know especially how Delhi likes eating...

Our spring Open Days took place on April 26 and 27, 2025. Bookings were full for this session, but we plan to organize additional Open Days later this year; generally two Open Days per year --- stay tuned! We have guided visits, at a reasonable distance from elephants to make sure we do not disturb them. The spring Open Days went well with very respectful visitors (Photo #5. Open Days in April 2025).

In March 2025, we launched a call inviting local supporters to reserve a small part of their vegetable garden or greenhouse to help feed Gandhi and Delhi. Why not contribute to their diet? They enjoy carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, pumpkins, parsley, aubergines, courgettes, corn, fennel, and all types of cabbage! (Photo #6. Contribute with a vegetable garden?).

At the end of March, we also participated in the 'Little x Little' campaign organized by GlobalGiving. It was a great success --- once again, a heartfelt thank you to all our generous donors --- we had really kind donations. Your support helps us continue providing the best care for our beloved elephants, Gandhi and Delhi! (Photo #7. Little x Little @EHEES).

And... many thanks from Gandhi and Delhi! (Photo #8. Gandhi; Photo #9. Delhi).

Building an access road

Burial and alignment of fence posts

Road between two different enclosures

Open Days in April 2025

Contribute with a vegetable garden?

Little x Little @EHEES

Gandhi

Delhi

Links:

Visit our website

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Jan 3, 2025
Elephant Haven: Year 2024 Summary

By Pascal Picard | Project Leader

Delhi in the clay - Happy Birthday!

January 2024:

We had the opportunity to capture this wonderful conversation between Gandhi and Delhi. Click here to watch the YouTube video.

Thanks to outstanding coordination, a new shipment of cables has safely arrived at @EHEES. These cables are essential for the safety fences surrounding the elephants' areas. The generous support of incredible individuals has played a crucial role in moving forward with our plans to expand and secure the outdoor enclosures for Gandhi and Delhi.

March 2024:

Day and night, we monitor Delhi and Gandhi, including through video surveillance. We've observed that they have developed a beautiful balance in their friendship. They support each other and provide comfort when needed, yet each day is unique. Their friendship adapts to the circumstances, reflecting their feelings and moods. They have become closer, yet remain true to their individual selves as 'Delhi and Gandhi,' continuing to do their own things.

When Delhi is out for a walk or grazing, Gandhi occasionally calls to her, and Delhi comes running over. There's nothing wrong; Gandhi simply wants Delhi by her side. At night, we sometimes notice that Gandhi waits for Delhi to return before settling down to rest. Recently, we've also seen Delhi doing the same for Gandhi.

Both of these wonderful ladies live their lives at the sanctuary in their own unique Delhi and Gandhi way.

June 2024:

On June 8-9, 2024, EHEES held its Open Days, which were a great success, drawing many enthusiastic visitors. Open Days at Elephant Haven take place twice a year with the goal of educating visitors about elephants, local wildlife and flora, our projects, and the surrounding environment. Attendance is by reservation only to ensure that the elephants' natural environment remains undisturbed, and all visits are guided. The events are conducted with full respect for the elephants' tranquility, maintaining a safe and respectful distance. During this event, many visitors had the chance to see Gandhi and Delhi outdoors as they enjoyed their regular walk outside in their enclosure.

Summer 2024:

Gandhi and Delhi's friendship continues to evolve, growing closer each day. They each follow their own routines, sometimes adjusting their day and night rhythms. Recently, they've been returning 'home' around 5-6am after a night of grazing. When we arrive in the morning, they are either still asleep or waiting for us with sleepy eyes.

24 August 2024:

Today marks Delhi's 41st birthday, as well as the celebration of her 2nd anniversary at EHEES!

October 2024:

While grazing, elephants use their nails to cut short grass and twist their trunks around the longer blades to snap them off, allowing for regrowth. Their habitat is filled with a variety of plants, and the elephants are well aware of which ones are edible and which are not. In fact, they also recognize plants that help treat systemic ailments. Nature serves as their (and our) pharmacy. In the CCTV footage (attached image), you can see Gandhi eating the roots of a plant known to be beneficial for the stomach. She begins by digging out the roots with her front foot, then pulls them from the soil using her trunk. Afterward, she rubs the roots against her legs to remove most of the soil. This natural behavior also aids in their nail and foot care.

With an abundance of hay this year and last, but uncertainty about future supplies, we decided to install a large hay tunnel to store as much as we can. A special thanks to all people having made this possible.

14 October 2024:

This day marks Gandhi's 55th birthday, as well as the celebration of her 3rd year at EHEES!

November 2024:

On November 30-December 1, 2024, EHEES hosted Open Days again. We would like to thank the visitors for their interest and for being so respectful.

We are overjoyed by the incredible support and generosity shown by our donors this Giving Tuesday! Your contributions make a real difference for Elephant Haven and our beloved ladies, Gandhi & Delhi. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Delhi enjoying a clay bath

Gandhi & Delhi sleepy eyes in the morning

Gandhi selecting roots

Gandhi - Happy Birthday!

A Huge Thank You from Gandhi & Delhi!

Links:

Our website with additional details and reports

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