Key Achievements
THE KERALA CORRIDOR PROJECT
In a first of a rewilding project implemented by VFAE, we bought a four-acre plot of rubber and banana plantation land in June 2023 in the South Nilambur region, opening up the space for approximately 340 elephants. They can now cross between forest patches safely and socialize with other herds, which would prevent inbreeding and foster the long-term species survival. VFAE collaborated with Kerala Government and our grassroots partner, Nature Mates Nature Club to make this happen.
project asian elephants 101
(PAE101)
A groundbreaking youth empowerment pilot program—Project Asian Elephants 101 (PAE101) was provided in April 2019, with Student Police Cadets (SPC) graduating, and receiving “Elephant Ambassador” certificates. Based on its success, the Inspector General of Police has invited VFAES to conduct PAE101 in three additional districts
project CAPTIVE ELEPHANT REHABILITATION
Project Captive Elephant Rehabilitation was held in October 2019 to train and encourage elephant handlers to implement positive reinforcement methods in handling captive elephants at the Kottoor Elephant Rehabilitation Center run by Kerala Forest Department (KFD) with positive reviews from handlers, and plans to repeat the program in other government camps
platinum seal of transparency
VFAES garnered the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar consistently in 2018, 2019 & 2020, after rigorous vetting of standards for trust and community support