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For World Elephant Day 2023, we hosted our second annual Trails for Trunks event. Once again, the goal of the event was to raise awareness for elephants and their conservation. Elephant lovers from all around the world came together to run, walk, swim, cycle, dance, hike, and get active for elephants.
Trails for Trunks 2023 took place over the weekend of World Elephant Day, from Friday, 11 August to Sunday, 13 August. Anyone could participate at any time, from anywhere in the world. This year, we also hosted our first in-person Trails for Trunks event in Pretoria. You can read more about that event here.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to each and every individual, organisation, and company who helped to make Trails for Trunks such a success. Together, we were able to spread awareness for elephant conservation all around the world. Thank you for making a difference.
The HERD and Jabulani Teams
The HERD elephant carers started with Trails for Trunks early each morning, heading off into the wilderness with the elephants around 5AM. The carers walk several kilometres with the elephants each day.
The Jabulani team also got active for elephants, with everyone from rangers and spa therapists to chefs and gardeners participating.
Organisations and Companies Around the World
We are incredibly grateful to the organisations and companies that participated in Trails for Trunks. Thank you for taking the time to join us and for using your platforms to spread awareness for elephants. (Special thank you to Amber from Flux Full Circle, the company that does our website development, for running 21km for Trails for Trunks!)
Our partners, Izindlovu Fund, helped spread the word of Trails for Trunks leading up to the event, and on the weekend itself, they went for a walk on the beach in support of elephants. With their furry friend, Maya, of course!
The Elephants Alive team joined in on the fun as well, going on several walks and hikes in support of elephants and covering long distances on their field days. They logged more than 100km for Trails for Trunks!
Not only did the Elephant Spoken Here team participate in Trails for Trunks, but they were also kind enough to write two blogs about the event. Elephant Spoken Here also celebrated their eighth anniversary on 12 August!
Two South African travel agencies, Highline Tours and Travel and Explore More Travel South Africa, also helped spread awareness for elephants. Carla from Highline Tours and Travel even managed to find some “elephants” in Centurion and drew elephant art on Strava.
Elephant Lovers Around the World
Supporters from all over the world got active for elephants during Trails for Trunks. From the longest beach in Italy (well done, Ozy and Muriel!) to Elephant’s Eye Cave in Cape Town. Supporters walked, ran, hiked, swam, cycled, surfed, and even played golf for elephants. We cannot thank everyone enough for raising awareness for elephants and their conservation.
