About us
Elephant Family protects Asia’s most endangered wildlife and the precious habitats they depend on. Working hand in hand with local communities, we champion practical, long-term solutions that help people and wildlife thrive together. Through our spectacular events and campaigns, we celebrate nature while shining a light on the urgent challenges facing Asia’s elephants, tigers, and other remarkable species.
The journey that led to Elephant Family
Elephant Family was founded in 2002 by the late Mark Shand to save the wild Asian elephant from extinction.
Having travelled in India with an elephant called Tara, fondly known as the charity's true founder, Mark fell in love with Asian elephants, and was determined to bring their plight to the world’s attention.
He brought together a vibrant team of passionate, creative thinkers who worked to tackle the biggest threats to Asian elephants, habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. Together, they created an array of spectacular events and campaigns that leveraged the power of art and creativity to raise awareness and inspired people to take action.
Elephant Family retains this same creative and adventurous spirit today, continuing to drive meaningful conservation action through art, culture and delight.
I remember the late Mark Shand. Growing up in Southern India, the Asian elephant is a creature of marvel and to have someone like Mark Shand, who fell in love with the animal and the ecosystem, is incredible.
Where we work
Currently our work is focused in India, home to nearly 60% of the world's Asian elephants and 75% of the world's tigers.
We prioritise critical habitats for wildlife, operating in partnership with local communities to address human-wildlife conflict and scale proven solutions to foster coexistence, restore habitats, and secure a lasting future for Asia's endangered species.
Joining forces with the British Asian Trust
Over the years, Elephant Family’s work has expanded to include working to protect more species of at-risk Asian wildlife.
In 2019, Elephant Family formally merged with the British Asian Trust. As a join entity, we bring together the best minds in conservation, culture, art and philanthropy to protect and conserve Asia's endangered species.
All the work of the Elephant Family is governed and overseen by the British Asian Trust’s Board of Trustees.
A powerful global brand
Elephant Family's campaigns and events have travelled the globe. We have delivered Elephant Parade in Mumbai and the Big Egg Hunt in New York. In 2024, our friends at Elephant Family US launched the Great Elephant Migration that saw 100 magnificent lantana elephants migrating across the United States to share their story of coexistence with the world.
Elephant Family is registered as a 501(3)c organisation in the US.
Elephant Family through the years
Through spectacular events and art installations, we shine a spotlight on some of the urgent challenges facing Asia’s elephants and other wildlife and raise vital funds to make change.
years of conservation work
million pounds raised
public art campaigns and events
Recognising contributions to conservation
The Mark Shand and Tara Awards celebrate extraordinary individuals and organisations making a tangible impact on wildlife conservation.
Named in honour of Mark Shand, and the elephant Tara who inspired him to found the Elephant Family charity, these environmental awards recognise innovative projects that protect wildlife, support local communities, and promote coexistence between humans and animals.
We are honoured that Elephant Family's Joint Royal Presidents, Their Majesties, the King and Queen have presented these prestigious awards.
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Conservation
We take on wildlife’s greatest threats in Asia: habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. Our innovative conservation work protects Asia's majestic animals and their landscapes.