Thembi fund

Securing Elephant Futures

Thembi Fund

The elephant ambassadors Jabu, Thembi and Morula will probably outlive the Groves by decades. THEMBI FUND was formed to secure the futures of the elephant Trio and the important contribution they make towards fulfilling the objectives of Living With Elephants.

Thembi Fund

Thembi Fund Guidelines

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THEMBI FUND

• Elephants can live for 70 years so when Doug and Sandi adopted Jabu, Thembi and later Morula, rescuing them from a culling operation that had left them orphans, they knew they were making a life-long commitment to the trio.

Doug and Sandi have striven to give Jabu, Thembi and Morula a life that is as close to elephants' natural lives as possible, yet one that is cushioned from the enormous pressures, insecurities and challenges with which wild elephants are confronted. They are proud that their trio live a life so near to that of wild elephants that they even share grazing grounds.

The Groves vowed from the beginning never to compromise the quality of life and security their elephants need. They also know the excellent educational experience Jabu, Thembi and Morula are providing local and international visitors. They want to ensure that this work continues, and that the elephants and the work are provided for long into the future. Since the trio will probably outlive the trio by decades, that future needs to be planned for now.

Currently, Grey Matters, Doug and Sandi's Botswana based company, supports the trio through educational-based eco-tourism. Grey Matters also generates some funds for LWE that are directed at the organization's research and educational initiatives aimed at reducing people-elephant conflict situations and to the THEMBI FUND.

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GUIDELINES

The THEMBI FUND is designed to provide funds:

In extreme emergencies that threaten the security and well-being of the elephants and that are beyond the Grove's means;
After the death of Doug and Sandi, when others will be needed to care for the three elephants;
To allow the elephants to participate in projects that further the goals of LWE.

The THEMBI FUND has specific guidelines on the manner in which the elephants should be cared and provided for after they outlive the Groves.

The trio are to be sustained on a large tract of land, as close to their natural range and habitat as possible.
They are to be cared for by capable, dedicated guardians who will attend to their daily care and needs (physical, emotional and intellectual), watching over them as they range freely in the wild and generally allowing them to be elephants. The guardians will be chosen by the governing board of directors.
The costs for infrastructure and maintenance will be provided for.
Alternatively, reintroduction of the trio into the wild is also an option open to the Trustees.
All money expended from the THEMBI FUND will be done so only with the approval of the board of directors and the guardians.

The following table shows the current monthly costs for providing the infrastructure and logistical support to sustain the elephants.

Running Costs For Monthly Upkeep of Trio (Year 2004)

Item	Cost Per Item	Monthly Cost
3 Elephant Guardians	$1000	$3000
4 Fodder Cutters	$500	$2000
Supplementary Grain	$700	$700
Supplementary Hay	$700	$700
Veterinary Costs	$250	$250
Fuel for Fodder Vehicle	$600	$600
Fuel for Supply Vehicle	$400	$400
Maintenance of Fodder Vehicle	$700	$700
Maintenance of Supply Vehicle	$350	$350
Maintenance of Equipment	$350	$350
Maintenance of Staff Quarters	$150	$150
Overalls and Shoes for Staff	$100	$100
Staff Food Allowance	$700	$700
Total Running Costs per Month		$10,000

You can help secure the futures of Jabu, Thembi and Morula by making a donation to the THEMBI FUND. Click here to go to donations information

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