If you have had the chance to speak with Deering’s CEO, Jamie Deering, you may have heard about her love of South Africa, African wildlife, and especially the majestic Elephant. She was able to return to South Africa this year on a personal trip and included something special for this largest of all land animals.
For this Giving Tuesday 2024 we have taken the banjo and the excitement to the next level! The Artisan Elephant Goodtime banjo was created for this special occasion.
This banjo had the distinct pleasure of stowing away on the trip to South Africa and being strummed by Zambezi, a rambunctious 8-year-old African elephant! He took to strumming it instantly upon walking up to his friend Nathan who was holding it.
Featuring an elephant prominently inlaid on the peghead and a textured grey finish on the hardware that closely resembles the unique skin of elephants, this banjo was made to give back to these intelligent and thoughtful animals.
The work being done by Adventures With Elephants and their non-profit arm the Rory Hensman Conservation and Research Unit (RHCRU) is vital to the future of the Elephant in Africa. Not only are they active in anti-poaching efforts for both Elephants and Rhinos, they also assist with giving valuable training to veterinarians on elephant care and health. They are also actively involved with the greater African wildlife community towards working on solutions to give more roaming land to these gentle giants.
We are so pleased that this year’s Giving Tuesday Charity Banjo will benefit this important work, with the proceeds from the auction going to the Rory Hensman Conservation and Preservation Unit.
It will run until 6pm Pacific Time on Thursday, December 12th. You have the chance to own a banjo actually played by an elephant, with evidence still on the banjo, while also helping ensure these wonderful animals have the best future they can!
Deering’s relationship with the Rory Hensman Conservation and Research Unit all started back in 2016 when she had the rare opportunity to visit South Africa working with Mumford & Sons on their South Africa Tour Charity Banjos (Thank you Mumford & Sons). It was her dream to see African elephants while there, who wouldn't want to experience that!? She did much research on elephant reserves and found one that was impressive in the work they were doing. This was Adventures with Elephants, the home base for the RHCRU.
The elephants in this sanctuary came from rescues that were slated to be killed due to being “problems” in other reserves or agricultural farm areas. These rescues have grown into a family herd and are close to the humans who take care of them. Since being rescued they have been treated with care, respect and allowed to be independent elephants roaming their own land and have learned to co-exist in harmony with humans.
Together they have educated thousands of people on the true nature and value of African elephants, changing the conversation to one of preservation rather than killing.
The amount of work RHCRU does to see that elephants all over Africa are understood, healthy and taken care of so they will continue to be a prominent part of the wilds of Africa is inspiring.
If you ever visit South Africa, Adventures with Elephants and the Rory Hensman Conservation & Research Unit look forward to meeting you!
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