Why did Elizabeth Scarlett choose to partner with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and why is orphan elephant rehabilitation important to the brand?
Why did Elizabeth Scarlett choose to partner with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and why is orphan elephant rehabilitation important to the brand?Giving back has always been in the DNA of Elizabeth Scarlett – from the very beginning, I knew I wanted to build a brand that would not just honour the natural world, but also support its protection.
I first came across the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust on my honeymoon in Kenya – seeing the incredible work it does moved me to email them on the flight home. Elephants hold a very special place in my heart – their strength, grace and resilience inspire so much of what we do as a brand. Not only are they beautiful, but as a keystone species, they also sustain whole ecosystems – so by protecting them, we’re also helping to protect what matters most.
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust clearly plays a crucial role in orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation but how are the elephants left in that position in the first instance?
Elephants come to the Trust for a variety of reasons – but many orphans that arrive in the Sheldrick’s care have sadly been separated from their mothers due to poaching and human-wildlife conflict.
Beyond rescue and rehabilitation of orphan elephants and rhinos, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust protects Kenya’s wildlife through anti-poaching operations, urgent veterinary response, aerial surveillance, habitat conservation and community outreach to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
To what extent was the limited edition botanical elephant collection developed in collaboration with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust?
Every elephant design we create begins from my paintbrush, but the designs are always inspired by the characters at the Sheldrick.
This new design features an adult bull elephant. Decorated with florals and fauna that grow wild in the landscapes of Kenya, it’s a story of hope, recovery and resilience – each piece is inspired by the Trust’s vital work rescuing and rehabilitating elephants.
Does the company introduce new designs for each successive year of partnership? How does the partnership work ie is a percentage of the range’s sales donated to the Trust?
Through our 2% to the Wild model, we’re incredibly proud to contribute at least 2% of annual sales to wildlife conservation projects around the world. As one of our key partners, every year our elephant collections and accessories directly support the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s work.
What milestones has the partnership achieved in its six year history both financially and in terms of elephant outcomes?
Over the past six years, we’ve donated more than £475,000 to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – one of my proudest milestones. Together with our wonderful community, we support over 320 orphaned elephants, funding their care from rescue all the way to reintegration to the wild.
Beyond elephants, we’ve been able to fully-fund a KWS Mara veterinary unit, helping save more than 2,300 wild animals. Most recently, we’ve also supported a landmark recovery and GPS tagging programme for the endangered Black Rhino – thanks to these efforts the rhino population is now steadily growing, with 57 individuals recorded and counted in the Maasai Mara.
Where is the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust based and have you been able to visit its site and see the conservation work in action? How inspirational was this?
The Sheldrick’s nursery is based in Nairobi, Kenya, but their re-integration units span the Tsavo National Park – one of the world’s largest game sanctuaries with savannah and grassy plains, teeming with ancient species. It’s an area that is alive with rich ecosystems and natural beauty – every time I visit, it inspires me anew.
Does Elizabeth Scarlett have any other conservation partners, given the company’s product ranges feature other endangered animals and wildlife?
Absolutely! As our community grows – one of my greatest privileges has been seeing our impact grow right alongside it. Whether it’s on land, sea, sky or worldwide – we’re always seeking projects that can take our mission further.
From Blue Marine Foundation to SUJÁN – every year our goal is to bring even more animals and habitats under our protection.
How do you plan to promote the limited edition range and showcase your support for World Elephant Day this year?
This World Elephant Day will be our biggest celebration yet! As well as the launch of our beautiful Botanical Elephant design, we’re hosting our very first Great Elephant Picnic with Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
The event will include a conversation with Robert Brandford, Executive Director at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – so our community of Elephant lovers can hear first-hand about the Trust’s incredible work – alongside more fantastic surprises in store.
All proceeds will go directly to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – supporting our beautiful giants, and the wild places they call home.
