The Thai Brand Bringing Elephant Sculptures To The World
Elephant Parade is highlighting the plight of Asian elephants and building a business around elephant art. Discover how this inspiring social enterprise from Thailand is finding customers around the world.
- Elephant Parade was founded in 2006 after a chance encounter with a wounded elephant in Thailand.
- The social enterprise handcrafts and ships special art and sculpture pieces to customers around the world.
- Specialized logistics services help the Thai-based SME to deliver their delicate, handmade shipments safely.
On a trip to Thailand in 2006, father and son Marc and Mike Spits met Mosha, a baby elephant who tragically lost part of her leg after stepping on a landmine. This heartfelt encounter inspired them to found Elephant Parade, a social enterprise dedicated to helping elephants and celebrating their beauty through unique pieces of art.
Creating a purpose beyond art
Over the years, Elephant Parade’s hand-painted elephant sculptures have been sold across Asia, America and Europe. High-profile collaborations have been a catalyst for success.
Renowned architect Duangrit Bunnag, international celebrities like Katy Perry, Max Fleischer, Khloé Kardashian, and iconic fashion designer Paul Smith have all embellished sculptures with their bespoke designs, spreading awareness of the importance of protecting this beloved species.
For every elephant sculpture sold, 20% of the profits are donated to elephant welfare and conservation projects around the world. A significant portion of these funds supports the Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital in the northern Thai province of Lampang, where Mosha was carefully nursed after her injury. Established in 2007, this partnership continues to be a cornerstone of their charitable efforts today.
Renowned architect Duangrit Bunnag, international celebrities like Katy Perry, Max Fleischer, Khloé Kardashian, and iconic fashion designer Paul Smith have all embellished sculptures with their bespoke designs, spreading awareness of the importance of protecting this beloved species.
For every elephant sculpture sold, 20% of the profits are donated to elephant welfare and conservation projects around the world. A significant portion of these funds supports the Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital in the northern Thai province of Lampang, where Mosha was carefully nursed after her injury. Established in 2007, this partnership continues to be a cornerstone of their charitable efforts today.
In 2016, Elephant Parade celebrated its 10th anniversary with a permanent exhibition in Chiang Mai, Thailand that showcases Thai artists who draw inspiration from their rich cultural heritage.
Elephant Parade’s path to global success
Since then, Elephant Parade’s success has continued, with international demand propelling growth. To meet the needs of their overseas customers, Elephant Parade began planning to launch a store in Singapore in early 2024.
Ensuring a seamless shipping experience for overseas operations was essential. Elephant Parade decided to leverage FedEx’s global network and connectivity to more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, as well as expert customs clearance and range of personalized delivery options.
Elephant Parade’s sculptures are delicate, and one-of-a-kind. And we understand the importance of transporting them to their new homes in mint condition. To keep them safe, we created tailor-made logistics solutions using dedicated trucks to ensure worry-free, smooth delivery.
Ensuring a seamless shipping experience for overseas operations was essential. Elephant Parade decided to leverage FedEx’s global network and connectivity to more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, as well as expert customs clearance and range of personalized delivery options.
Elephant Parade’s sculptures are delicate, and one-of-a-kind. And we understand the importance of transporting them to their new homes in mint condition. To keep them safe, we created tailor-made logistics solutions using dedicated trucks to ensure worry-free, smooth delivery.
“Choosing FedEx was the right decision for us,” said Jeannette Brüske Woelinga, the Asia and Middle East general manager of Elephant Parade. “Apart from their competitive rates and time-definite delivery commitment, what impressed us the most was their exceptional support throughout the entire process.”
“They have decades of experience handling delicate shipments like ours, which gave us absolute peace of mind. We’ve recently started to use FedEx for our cross-border e-commerce shipping. We’re confident that our creations will be in good hands.”
“They have decades of experience handling delicate shipments like ours, which gave us absolute peace of mind. We’ve recently started to use FedEx for our cross-border e-commerce shipping. We’re confident that our creations will be in good hands.”
Our commitment and care to all small businesses in Asia Pacific
At FedEx, we see logistics as more than just getting our customers’ shipments from A to B. We’re passionate about helping businesses of all sizes grow internationally.
That means going beyond just delivering packages. Our goal is to make cross-border trade simpler and champion small business growth.
With our ever-expanding portfolio of logistics solutions and AI-powered digital tools, we’re able to empower Thai and Asian businesses to expand their footprint to other parts of the world.
To discover more inspiring small business stories, head here.
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