Trunks Up
Thailand / USA · 18.79°N · 98.98°E
Standing up for captive elephants by ending their abuse and moving them to true sanctuary.
About Trunks Up
Trunks Up is a US nonprofit project that funds the rescue, care and protection of Asian elephants, supporting sanctuary work in Thailand.
Asian elephants are disappearing in the wild, while many of those in captivity endure decades of hardship, often tied to exploitative tourism. Behind the elephant rides and performances lies a long history of cruelty, and time is running short for the thousands of elephants still suffering today.
A dedicated project of the Abraham Foundation, Trunks Up channels public support into direct action. It works in partnership with renowned conservationist Lek Chailert and was inspired by her pioneering work at Elephant Nature Park, acting as a major source of funding for that vision and for the wider Save Elephant Foundation in Thailand.
Donations go straight to where they are needed, paying for emergency rescues, food and medical care, and campaigns that challenge unethical tourism. A foster programme lets supporters back individual elephants by name, while sanctuary partners provide a safe home where rescued animals can recover and live more naturally. The project reports hundreds of elephants rescued and a loyal base of repeat donors.
This work matters because every rescue frees an elephant from years of abuse and helps build a future where these animals are protected rather than exploited. Support makes the next rescue, and the lifelong care that follows, possible.
Rescue & Sanctuary Care
Funding urgent rescues and the medical care that captive elephants need to recover.
Foster Programme
Letting supporters back an individual elephant and follow its progress in care.
Ethical Elephant Tourism
Steering visitors towards humane, hands-off experiences such as Elephant Nature Park.
Advocacy & Community Partnerships
Campaigning for change and working alongside sanctuaries and local communities.
Be part of the movement
Donating is the last step, not the first. Pick one and start today.
- 1WatchStream the films and stories behind their work, then tell someone what moved you.Watch →
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