The Elephant Project is a female-founded philanthropic toy company that has successfully helped save hundreds of elephants globally by donating proceeds from the hand-designed stuffed animals to aligned organizations that directly benefit the toys' real-world counterparts. Kristina has recently expanded her SAVEUS brand to include big cats and dogs who are also suffering from abuse and neglect in the U.S. and abroad. Her talk highlights the dangers that elephants face in Thailand and across the globe, as she shares the importance of her sanctuary and the peace and care it takes to preserve such a special animal. The Elephant Project is a female-founded philanthropic toy company that has successfully helped save hundreds of elephants globally by donating proceeds from the hand-designed stuffed animals to aligned organizations that directly benefit the toys' real-world counterparts. Founded by Kristina McKean in 2017 after a lingering firsthand encounter with neglected baby elephants in Thailand, The Elephant Project launched its first cuddly product and accompanying education materials out of Santa Barbara, CA. Kristina donates 100% of the net proceeds from any purchase to trusted organizations that help rescue and care for orphaned, abandoned, and abused elephants. Those organizations include The Elephant Nature Park in Thailand and The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya. The elephants were so successful that Kristina has recently expanded her SAVEUS brand to include big cats and dogs who are also suffering from abuse and neglect in the United States and abroad. Since 2017, Kristina has been featured in People.com, The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Today Show, Vogue, Real Simple, Reader's Digest, The Los Angeles Times and other publications. To learn more about press and podcasts for The Elephant Project-visit: https://www.theelephantproject.com/press The stuffed animals are an important gift that gives back and teaches children everywhere to be the voice for the voiceless and that one person can make a difference. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx