At the heart of the Elephant CREW Foundation are the Elephant CREW team members – a dedicated team who are promoting and educating about coexistence and elephant conservation in the local communities of Zimbabwe as well as to the international public. But what is the inspiring story behind this remarkable group?
The Elephant CREW was born out of a deep recognition that the future of the Savannah African elephant is no longer just about conservation efforts, but very much about achieving harmonious coexistence between these majestic creatures and expanding human communities. With the human population in Africa predicted to double by 2050, the competition for limited resources like water and land has led to tragic consequences in the form of human-animal conflict.
This is where the Elephant CREW steps in, taking on a unique and active role through their impactful Community, Research, Education and Welfare programs. The meaningful acronym CREW embodies the core pillars of their comprehensive approach.
Community Empowerment: The Elephant CREW places a strong emphasis on working hand-in- hand with local communities to find collaborative solutions that benefit both people and animals. They understand that long-term conservation can only be achieved by empowering and engaging the communities that coexist with these giants. Through inclusive dialogues, the CREW team listens to the concerns and needs of community members, and then works together to implement sustainable initiatives.
One such initiative is the establishment of “Community Guardians” – community members who play an active and sustainable role in encouraging their communities to implement positive coexistence measures and techniques. These Guardians receive training in animal behaviour, conflict mitigation tactics, and wildlife protection laws. They serve as the eyes and ears on the ground, monitoring animal movements, deterring poaching, and quickly responding to any human-animal conflicts that arise. This approach has been hugely successful, with communities taking a proactive role in safeguarding the animals that share their land.
Education: The Elephant CREW recognizes that the long-term success of their mission hinges on cultivating a new generation of animal advocates. Through their extensive education programs, they are working to foster appreciation, respect and coexistence with elephants and other wildlife among communities, schools, and the visiting public.
The CREW team has also developed curriculum-aligned educational modules for local schools, covering topics like animal behaviour, habitat needs, and the importance of conservation. By engaging directly with students, they are planting the seeds for a future where animals and humans can thrive together.
Welfare: Underpinning all of the Elephant CREW’s efforts is a steadfast commitment to ensuring the health and wellbeing of in human care populations. A cornerstone of their welfare program is the “Ambassador Herd” – a small group of elephants that serve as the public face of the organization. These elephants, rescued from various hardships, have become beloved ambassadors, helping to forge deep emotional connections between people and their wild counterparts. Visitors to the CREW’s facilities can observe the Ambassador Herd up-close, learning about their individual personalities and the challenges they’ve overcome.
Through this intimate, hands-on engagement, the CREW aims to inspire a sense of wonder and stewardship for elephants and other wildlife. Guests leave with a greater understanding of the animals’ plight and a desire to support conservation efforts. The revenue generated from these visitor programs also helps to fund the CREW’s vital community, research, and education initiatives.
Research: In addition to their on-the-ground conservation work, the Elephant CREW is also deeply committed to advancing scientific understanding of elephants and their habitats. Their research team collaborates with leading academic institutions to conduct comprehensive studies on elephant behaviour, ecology, and population dynamics.
One of their flagship research projects is a long-term elephant monitoring program, which utilizes advanced tracking technologies to study the movements, habitat use, and social structures of a self-release elephant that has released itself into the wild. This data informs the CREW’s conservation strategies and helps them anticipate and mitigate potential human-elephant conflicts. This research is showing successful results.
The CREW’s research also extends to exploring innovative solutions for coexistence, such as the use of beehive fences and other non-lethal deterrents to keep elephants away from human settlements. By continuously expanding the knowledge base, the CREW can devise more effective and sustainable approaches to protecting both elephants and local communities.
The Elephant CREW is fuelled by a bold vision of an Africa where animals and humans can thrive together in a balanced environment. Through their tireless efforts, they are working to become a beacon of hope – demonstrating that with the right community-driven approach, coexistence is indeed possible.
At the heart of this approach is a deep respect for the intrinsic value of animals and a steadfast commitment to amplifying the voices of local communities. The CREW team understands that the future of Africa’s iconic elephants and other wildlife is inextricably linked to the wellbeing of the people who share their landscapes. By empowering communities, advancing scientific knowledge, and inspiring the next generation of conservationists, the Elephant CREW is paving the way for a more harmonious and sustainable coexistence.
Join us in supporting the Elephant CREW as they work to secure a brighter future for Africa’s magnificent animals. Together, we can ensure that these gentle giants and other wildlife continue to roam the savannas and forests for generations to come.
