After Saving Thousands of Elephants from Captivity, The Elephant Project Debuts “Lulu” to Raise Proceeds for Dogs Tormented by China’s Black-Market Meat Trade
Despite being man’s best friend for thousands of years, dogs still face unbearable cruelty all over the globe. From the millions of strays scavenging for food in India to the pups poorly bred in puppy mills across in the U.S., not every pooch is given the luxury of a cozy bed and an endlessly-filled water bowl. When it comes to the dogs living an existence of torment and despair, perhaps there is no worse example than the harrowing meat trade in China. Despite the official declaration in 2020 from the government that outlawed the use of dogs for livestock, every year thousands of dogs are stolen, kidnapped, or picked up as strays to be sold to black-market slaughterhouses where they meet their gruesome fate.
Kristina McKean, Founder and CEO of The Elephant Project, the Santa Barbara-based philanthropic toy company that donates all the proceeds from its plushies to animal rescue efforts, is using the power of the company’s latest stuffed animal, Lulu, to raise awareness and funds for these dogs in need. A long-time animal lover, McKean founded the company in 2017 after witnessing the cruelty of tourist elephant rides in Thailand — with a goal to donate all the sales of her toys to the elephant sanctuaries, orphanages, and aligned organizations that are committed to their saving and rehabilitation. Since founding the company, she has released three elephant plushies that have aided in bringing hundreds of elephants to proper sanctuaries where they can be given the livelihood they deserve. Now, McKean is taking this same approach to support organizations dedicated to re-homing rescued dogs from the cruel underground meat-trade in China.
“I hope that with the introduction of Lulu and the animals before her, we can encourage a compassionate mindset in people of all ages, fostering empathy and nurturing a sense of responsibility for animals in need,” said McKean. “With an array of beautiful pups of every breed seeking homes, we truly have the power to make a meaningful difference by providing these precious animals with a safe and loving environment.”
Earlier this year, McKean was able to visit the source of her company’s initial inspiration, Elephant Nature Park, where she finally greeted many of the elephants that The Elephant Project played a key role in saving. During her journey, she had the opportunity to meet the beloved Baby Chaba, a rescued baby elephant and the real-world living counterpart to The Elephant Project’s SaveUs™ collection mini plushie. She also shadowed the work of Lek Chailert, Founder of Elephant Nature Park, who serves as an ongoing source of inspiration to McKean due to her relentless efforts to rescue and take care of thousands of animals from elephants, cats, dogs, horses, monkeys, and more. Despite McKean’s renewed hope in the ability of those like her and Chailert to bring all suffering animals to a place of safety and shelter, she was reminded of the continuous cruel conditions taking place in Thailand, as she witnessed a popular “riding camp” where elephants are chained and treated horribly with bullhooks— a gut-wrenching reminder of why The Elephant Project remains committed to its mission at hand.
“We want to maintain a true, real-time understanding of the work these nonprofits are doing and the various ways our community can get involved through a toy purchase or a direct donation, and beyond,” McKean said in the aftermath of her visit to Thailand. “Ultimately, that’s our core business goal: to support these organizations and amplify the impact they’re having on the protection of these precious creatures.”
In the latest effort to aid the organizations dedicated to protecting the innocent animals of our planet, The Elephant project is unveiling Lulu— the 8-inch long adorable, huggable plushie that proudly bears the message “Adopt, Don’t Shop” on her hangtag. McKean’s inspiration for Lulu came after observing the remarkable efforts of the women at Slaughterhouse Survivors, an organization dedicated to aiding dogs affected by China’s ongoing meat trade. The California-based nonprofit has been rescuing these tortured pups since 2016, having successfully rescued more than 4,500 dogs since— working with the locals in Harbin, China who embrace the mission of bringing these precious pups the protection and well-being they need.
The launch of Lulu represents the company’s efforts to make a tangible and meaningful difference in the lives of dogs in rescues and shelters across the United States and beyond. The new plush toy was carefully crafted out of the softest plush fabric, making it a great gift for kids to serve as their cuddly companions. More importantly, McKean vows to use all the proceeds from Lulu’s sales to support local and international animal rescue initiatives, with a heavy emphasis on helping rehome the abused dogs in China.
“Creating Lulu and others before her was no easy task,” continued McKean. “We constantly strive for quality and focus on detail with every creation. We hope her release prompts us all to remember the importance of adopting and fostering, ultimately contributing to a brighter future for dogs who make incredible companions.”
You can support the company’s efforts by purchasing Lulu or any of the other available plush toys by visiting https://www.theelephantproject.com.
Montecito Journal: The Elephant in the Room
Thrifty Nifty Mommy: The BEST Gifts for Kids Who Love Animals – Over 45 Gift Ideas!
If you’re shopping for gifts for kids who love animals, you’ve come to the right place! My kids are animal lovers. Truly, they just LOVE animals! They love to visit the zoo and often play with animal toys at our house. We have 2 dogs, a hamster, and a fish, and they love their pets so much. I know that lots of other children love animals too, so today I wanted to share a list of the BEST gifts for kids who love animals.
Save The Herd: Kiki + Tembo + Baby Chaba Bundle — The Elephant Project
Photo Credit: www.theelephantproject.com
Any child who loves animals is sure to love this gift! Not only are they getting an adorable stuffed elephant, but you can also tell them that when you purchase one of these adorable stuffed elephants, 100% of net proceeds go to various organizations that help aid in fighting the poaching crisis and also provide care to injured, abandoned, orphaned, and abused elephants!
Kiki is an 8" stuffed elephant doll made out of soft grey fabric and a beautiful pink dress. Tembo, meaning 'elephant' in Swahili, is an 8" stuffed elephant doll made out of soft grey fabric and green overalls. Chaba is the newest addition to the herd.
You can purchase these adorable elephants individually or as a group.
Nice News: Buy an Elephant, Save an Elephant
These stuffed animals are more than just the perfect gift for a young person in your life — they can also enact positive change. When you purchase the adorable elephants Kiki or Tembo, 100% of the net proceeds go to organizations that help fight the poaching crisis.
The money also goes toward aiding injured, abandoned, orphaned, and abused elephants. You can help The Elephant Project continue to improve and save the lives of many elephants, from babies to elders, that would otherwise continue to suffer or die due to greed, inhumane treatment, competition for resources, and loss of critical habitats.*Please support our sponsors! They help us keep Nice News free. ♡
The Spruce: The 30 Best Easter Gifts for Kids of 2023
Our favorite picks from Dylan's Candy Bar, Uncommon Goods, Slumberkins, and more
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This Easter, fill your child's basket with the best toys, clothes, games, and chocolate to celebrate the holiday and hop into spring.
We researched the best Easter gifts for kids of all ages, from teething toys and onesies for babies to outdoor play sets and games even teens can enjoy. Our favorite picks include a poppable slime that smells like Easter candy from Sloomoo Institute, a huggable Pusheen plush from GUND, and a classic chocolate bunny from Lindt.
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Give an adorable gift while doing good with The Elephant Project. The brand's easter bundle comes with three huggable stuffed elephants named Kiki, Tembo, and Baby Chaba. 100 percent of the proceeds from these plushes go directly to fighting poaching and providing care to abandoned, orphaned, and abused elephants. What's more, Baby Chaba is named after an actual living elephant being cared for by the foundation.
Price at time of publish: $110
Spectrum News 1: Kristina McKean
31 Unique Easter Basket Stuffers Kids Will Love
Easter is almost here! A time for rebirth, spring, flowers and bunnies. And it’s also time to start assembling those Easter baskets. To help you get started, we put together a list of some unique Easter basket stuffers kids will love, including lots of bunny-themed items. Other gift ideas include new and classic toys, accessories, activities, candy and more for kids of all ages. So hop on down the bunny trail, and get ready for Easter!
Unique Easter Basket Stuffers Kids Will Love
Bunny-Themed Gifts
A LEGO Bunny. It’s bunnies galore this time of year! Consider this LEGO bunny that’s adorable and fun to assemble.
A book about rabbits. There are so many to choose from! Check out “How to Be a Bigger Bunny,” by Wendell and Florence Minor, one of many off-the-charts amazingly adorable bunny books out there!
Cadbury candy. The Cadbury bunny hopes you will include these classic Easter candies in your basket, whether it be the creme eggs or mini eggs.
Plush bunnies. No Easter basket is complete without a cute plush bunny. You can find them almost anywhere during Easter time, from supermarkets to toy stores, online and more places. Plus, they’re much easier to care for than a real bunny!
Bunny ear headbands. What kid doesn’t like to put on a pair of bunny ears and hop around the house?
Peter Rabbit Classic Gift Set. This beautiful book set includes several Beatrix Potter classics, including “The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher, The Tale of Tom Kitten and the Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck.”
More Unique Easter Basket Stuffers Kids Will Love
A bunch of spring-time snacks. Throw some of these delicious eats into your basket for kids to enjoy throughout the season.
The new My First Barbie Doll. Ok, she may not fit in an Easter basket, but she’s still a great gift for preschoolers. What makes this new Barbie so unique? A lot! She’s bigger, softer and has more moveable arms and legs. Overall, she’s got a design that’s easier for younger kids to play with.
Basket-sized Barbies. These adorable dolls feature Barbie dressed up as a colorful giraffe, owl, bunny and other cool creatures.
Matchbox cars. A great gift that little car lovers will enjoy getting on Easter morning.
Kids’ binoculars. Your junior scientist will love getting a pair of fun binoculars to use on their next backyard nature adventure.
Sunglasses. Summer is on the way! Sunglasses make a great accessory for kids to use at camp, on road trips or just to look stylish! Walmart has a great selection.
A gardening kit. With Easter comes lots of flowers and sunshine. Kids will love getting their hands dirty and learning about plants with fun gardening kit.
Sidewalk chalk. Sidewalk chalk is fun to use and lets your kids explore their creativity (without making a mess in the house!)
Zoo tickets. Buy zoo tickets in advance, and attach them to a cute plush toy.
A small table game. Check out this fun game from Bounce Battle that tweens and teens will love. (You’ll love it, too).
A toy that gives back. Every kid will love these adorable elephant dolls. Each ellie comes with an endearing poem and information about the elephant crisis and the mission of The Elephant Project. Proceeds go to organizations that care for orphaned, abused and injured elephants, such as the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya and The Elephant Nature Park in Thailand.
A book about horses. This book about horses and being yourself is a great story for young readers, written by Sarah Maslin Nir.
Socks. They’re functional and fashionable. Get them in a cute pattern, and they’re fun, too!
Treats. These are always unique Easter basket stuffers because you can choose from so many kinds of treats and candies available this time of year. Check out local Staten Island baker, Puglia Baked Goods. Choose from an array of chocolate covered marshmallows, Oreos, Rice Krispies Treats and more that kids love.
An animal puzzle. This puzzle from Mudpuppy will spark hours of creative play for your kids.
Figurines. These beautiful figurines from Schleich are delightful gifts for young animal lovers.
Cash. For older kiddos, stuff money in plastic eggs.
Colorful make-up. Older girls will love getting some fun lip glosses, eyeshadows and more in their baskets. We recommend Wet n Wild and E.L.F. among many affordable and cruelty-free brands to choose from.
A phone charger. You can never have too many of these.
A journal. Decorative journal notebooks can be purchased almost anywhere. They help foster a love of writing and are unique Easter basket stuffers that are great for older kids to use.
A pickleball set. Pickleball continues to make a comeback! Game sets can be a little pricey, but check out this site to see some that are under $100.
Calico Critters. These little animal family figurines are too cute for words.
A jump rope. Jumping rope is a fun activity that encourages outdoor play. Plus, jump ropes are easy to find and stuff into any Easter basket!
Coloring books. Perfect for kids of almost any age.
Yarn. Does your tween or teen like to knit or crochet? Pick up a few skeins of yarn to add colorful and creative fun to any Easter basket.
Celebrating Female Empowerment
Each year we eagerly look forward to connecting with brilliant women to celebrate International Women’s Day, and 2023 is no different. Placing a spotlight on the achievements, wise advice and inspiring insight of women we admire is one of our favorite things to do at Chantecaille, because we know that every one of us has the power to spark change in others, be it small or grand in scale.
This year we asked a marvelous group of women from around the globe to speak to us about empowerment— and where our voices need to be heard even louder. Read on and prepare to be majorly inspired.
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Kristina McKean, Founder of The Elephant Project
What does being an 'empowered woman' mean to you?
I think being an empowered woman means that you feel the freedom to make your own choices and use your voice to make a difference in the world. No matter what fears or challenges we face, we take risks and are confident. I think empowered women know that we can all make a difference in the world and we should all support each other.
Where do you see inspiring change for women taking shape today?
I think more than ever women are realizing they have a voice and can make a change. I think that is so important, especially for the next generation. I have teenage daughters and am so glad they are growing up in a world where their voice matters and they can speak up when they see injustice or something that they are not comfortable with. I think we are all stronger than we think we are.
Who would you say is the woman who inspires you the most right now?
Lek Chailert who is the founder of The Elephant Nature Park in northern Thailand is my hero! She grew up in a trekking camp and stood up for the elephants who were being abused. She was disowned by her family due to her resistance but continued to fight for the ethical treatment of elephants. I have never met a more inspiring, beautiful soul. She is one in a million and deserves as much support as possible.
What is one piece of advice to share with a young girl today about making her way in the world?
This question comes easily to me because I have two young daughters. I tell them to use their voices and listen to their intuition. Also, find something you are passionate about and shoot for the moon. I also tell them to never be afraid of asking questions—the worst they can say is no.
What do you think women need to shout more loudly about in our current times?
Everything! There are so many things that need our help and voices. I say pick whichever one you are passionate about and use your voice to make a difference.
Women Can Startup: From Stuffed Toy to Real-World Impact: The Elephant Project’s Innovative Approach to Animal Protection
Get ready to be impressed by the dedication and creativity of one woman’s mission to support wildlife conservation! Meet Kristina McKean, the founder of The Elephant Project, a line of plush stuffed elephants that not only bring joy and comfort to homes, but also make a tangible difference for real-world elephants through the donation of 100% of net proceeds to aligned non-profit organizations. In this interview, we learn about Kristina’s life-long passion for animal protection and how she’s using her luxe stuffed elephants to make a lasting impact.
Kristina McKean: A Visionary in Wildlife Conservation
Kristina McKean, the founder and owner of The Elephant Project, is a true champion for the cause of wildlife conservation. Her journey to make a difference for these majestic creatures began on her honeymoon trip to Thailand, where she was first made aware of the atrocities behind elephant tourism and wildlife captivity.
I founded the company five years ago, but its initial spark came to me about 18 years prior to
that while I was celebrating my honeymoon with my husband in Thailand. Near the beginning of our trip,I saw a baby elephant begging on the street (“begging elephants” are elephants that have been taken and held captive by beggars. They are typically emaciated, severely malnourished, and made to walk long hours throughout Thailand’s towns — paraded around to perform tricks in an effort to fetch money). When I saw the enslaved baby elephant looking helpless, restrained, and in despair, it completely broke my heart and, frankly, kind of ruined our trip. I couldn’t get that image out of my mind, and when we finally returned home, those memories continued to torment me. I thought, ‘How could this be? How could humans be so cruel to these beautiful creatures?’ Of course, what I didn’t realize at the time was how few humans, at least in America, are actually aware of the harsh realities behind the seemingly innocent activities (like elephant rides or painting exhibits or circus performances) that create the demand for this cruelty. It bothered me so much that from that moment on, all I could think about was how to help end this abhorrent practice.
This experience sparked a lifelong passion in Kristina McKean to help improve the lives of these endangered animals, starting with her local zoo in Santa Barbara, California and reaching as far as the renowned elephant sanctuary she has supported through her philanthropic toy company.
The Elephant Project: Raising Awareness, Educating, and Engaging
To make a lasting impact, McKean launched The Elephant Project and its line of high-end, cuddleable stuffed plush elephants. These plushies not only bring joy and comfort to homes, but also serve as a tangible way to increase awareness, education, and engagement with the cause. McKean’s commitment to wildlife conservation is evident in her choice to donate 100% of the net proceeds from any toy sale to trusted organizations that fight the poaching crisis and provide care to injured, abandoned, orphaned, and abused animals globally.
A Mission-Driven Business Model: Why Keeping All Profits Was Never an Option
The focus of the business was never about profits, but rather to make a positive impact on elephants. The three-part mission was to bring joy to children and families with plush characters modeled after elephants in the wild, raise awareness about the intelligent and ethical nature of endangered animals, and the brutal treatment they endured from poachers and tourists. The business also aimed to support organizations working towards rescuing and caring for captive elephants through sanctuaries, rehabilitation centers, anti-poaching efforts, public education, and veterinary services. The ultimate goal was to make a difference, and that was why 100% of the net profits were donated towards these efforts.
Profit incentives were never the goal for us. We were driven solely by the desire to save the elephants. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to donate 100% of the net proceeds to help make the difference I was called to. That was, and continues to be, the goal.
Partnering for a Cause
The advocacy and activism efforts for the elephant cause had been underway for a long time before the protagonist became aware of it. Fearless activists had already established the necessary ecosystems, environments, and teams to care for the elephants on the ground. Kristina knew that the best way to support the cause was to contribute financial support and increase awareness. One of the primary organizations partnered with was the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya, which supported grown and baby elephants whose mothers had died due to poaching and trophy hunting. They also created a fostering program for rescued elephants, allowing people to receive updates on the health, happiness, and habitat of the elephants they support, at a low cost.
Another partner organization was The Elephant Cooperation, a non-profit dedicated to preserving African elephants and their environment. They raised awareness about the elephant crisis and supported organizations with similar goals. This vision helped them raise millions of dollars, feed over 300 African families, and protect over 66,500 elephants. The Elephant Project supports organizations like The Elephant Cooperation in any way possible.
The Elephant Nature Park in Thailand, founded and led by animal rights icon Lek Chailert, was another organization supported by The Elephant Project. Lek left a comfortable life and the protection of her family to create the park, which now provides a sanctuary to rescued animals from across Thailand. Her work was so inspiring that Kristina recently visited the world-renowned sanctuary with her daughter, where they had the chance to meet Lek, her staff, and the rescued elephants, many of whom The Elephant Project helped save. The visit was a dream come true.
The success of McKean’s ongoing commitment and continuous donating is evident in the hundreds of captive elephants that have been saved worldwide since the launch of The Elephant Project. By directly contributing to helping these animals start new lives in peaceful habitats where they can play, heal, and thrive, McKean and her team have shown that a business model built on philanthropy and a commitment to wildlife conservation can make a real-world impact.
Starting Your Journey: Tips for Young Activists
Kristina suggests that individuals should start small, where they are today, to get involved. Anyone can sign a petition, volunteer their time, or start a movement using technology, social media, and crowd-funding. Those able to, can also donate funds to trusted non-profit organizations making a positive impact. Empathy, kindness, and a service-oriented attitude are important qualities to have in making a difference. There is much turmoil in the world, and if everyone does something small for good, it would be a better place. Younger generations are already making a positive impact and their collective efforts can make a difference in various causes such as animals, the climate, the ocean, human rights, etc. Through The Elephant Project, one unique way of making a difference on a personal cause was found, and given the initiative and leadership qualities of the next generation, more young people will find ways to make a major impact in the world.
A male calf named Lewa was found to be all alone at a young age, most likely having lost his mother to poachers. He was taken to the Voi Reintegration Unit and joined a herd of adult females and other orphaned elephants. With the support of The Elephant Project and other generous donors, Lewa lived with the herd for several years, learning important behaviors from his “big brothers.” At four years old, Lewa and two of his male friends were moved to a new location with plentiful food, water, and other elephants in a lush valley. While Lewa’s two friends struggled to adjust, Lewa, known for his sociable nature, was able to integrate into the park’s wild herds with ease and now lived a happy life.
Kristina McKean and The Elephant Project serve as a shining example of what can be achieved when one puts their money where their mission is. We can all be inspired by their ongoing efforts to make a difference for captive elephants and support their efforts to create a better world for these magnificent creatures.