What is Elephant Havens?
Elephant Havens is a non-profit organization working on the ground in Botswana to protect and preserve the African elephant. We’ve built the only elephant orphanage in Botswana so that we can rescue and hand-rear orphaned and abandoned baby elephants, then later releasing them back into the wild as their own herds. As part of our mission, we also work to serve the local communities through improvement projects, employment opportunities, and other well-being enhancement projects. We are also educating and working with the community to reduce conflict between villagers and elephants. Through education we hope to instill an understanding of the importance of conservation and habitat protection in future generations.
Where is Elephant Havens?
Elephant Havens is 42km (about an hour’s drive) NE of the village of Maun, “the tourism capital” of Botswana, in southern Africa. Nearly all of the major safari and air-charter operators have headquarters in Maun, making it easy to visit Elephant Havens before taking a trip into the wildlife-rich Okavango Delta. You can fly directly into Maun International Airport and take a car or helicopter to Elephant Havens. If driving, take the Sir Seretse Khama road and watch for our signs.
Can I visit Elephant Havens?
Yes! We offer Public Visiting Hours beginning promptly at 9 am and 4 pm, seven days a week. In this hour-long tour you will get to interact with young elephants, learn about elephant behavior from our experienced handlers, and take pictures with baby elephants! A (US) $100 donation per person to visit the orphanage provides expert health care, special lactose-fee baby formula and 24-hour care for each elephant by devoted handlers. Please arrive early to complete paperwork. For more information on Visiting Hours, Extended Tours, or Private Tours, click here.
Can I stay at Elephant Havens?
Yes, donors can book an overnight stay at one of our four tents on the grounds of the orphanage. Stay must be pre-booked and confirmed, depending on availability. Learn more here.
How can I foster an orphaned elephant?
We would love for you to foster one of our babies! Caring people like you are making such a difference in the lives of these orphaned elephants. Visit our How to Foster page to learn how you can support as many elephants as you like with a recurring or one-time annual gift.
How do I make a donation to Elephant Havens?
We appreciate your support! There are two ways you can help. You can learn how to foster a baby elephant for a one-time or recurring annual donation here. Or you can support our many orphanage projects and community initiatives by making an online donation using a credit card. Alternatively, you may send a check made out to “Elephant Havens” to our U.S. Operations office: Elephant Havens Wildlife Foundation, 4104 Calculus Drive, Dallas, TX 75244, USA.
Is my donation tax-deductible? Will I receive a receipt for my donation?
Yes and yes. Elephant Havens Wildlife Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in the United States. Your donation is tax-deductible as allowed by law, and you will receive a receipt by email for tax purposes.
Where does my donation go?
More than 90% of donation funds go toward saving African elephants at Elephant Havens in Botswana. Fostering donations go toward purchasing special lactose-free formula, veterinary care, and the keepers who stay with your foster elephant around the clock for the first 4 years of life. General donations fund our community outreach and habitat protection initiatives, as well as funding rescue missions and capital expenses, such as orphanage construction, staff housing, and fencing. Less than 10% of donated money is used for Elephant Havens Wildlife Foundation administration expenses, including fundraising and management costs. There are no salaried positions within the Foundation.
What is the best way to stay updated on things happening at Elephant Havens?
We’d love to keep you in the loop. Sign up for our newsletter here. You can also like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest pictures and news. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see some great videos, too.
I think my employer has a Matching Gift Program. How does that work?
More than 1,000 companies offer matching gift programs that will double or even triple your donation’s impact. See your Human Resources department for a matching gift form or other instructions from them. Typically there is a form for you to fill out and send to us to complete the process. Once you’ve filled out your portion, either email it to donations@elephanthavens.com or mail it our U.S. Operations Office: Elephant Havens Wildlife Foundation, Employer Matching Gift, 4104 Calculus Drive, Dallas, TX 75244, USA. Thank you for taking the extra step to increase the impact of your gift.
Does Elephant Havens accept corporate partnerships or sponsors?
Absolutely. We are very thankful for business owners who share our passion for saving orphaned African elephants. Please email co-founder Debra Stevens at debra@elephanthavens.com or call her at (+1) 972-620-2523 to discuss partnership and sponsorship opportunities.
Can I organize a fundraiser for Elephant Havens?
Yes, please! Every donation counts and we’re touched that you would like to help the African elephants. Email debra@elephanthavens.com about your idea and for more information. Thank you!
How do I change my email preferences?
You can email info@elephanthavens.com or call us at (+1) 972-620-2523 to update us with new contact information.
Can I change my recurring donation amount or provide a new credit card number online?
Absolutely! Your payment information is securely transacted through stripe.com and is not stored on our servers or accessible by us. This lets you control your giving information. To make changes, simply log into your account and look at My Donation Subscriptions. Here you can see your donation history and payment information. Click “Cancel” on the far right to end this recurring payment. Now you can set up a new recurring donation with updated information. Email us at info@elephanthavens.com if you have any questions.
How do I contact Elephant Havens?
Email our co-founder Debra Stevens at debra@elephanthavens.com or call her at (+1) 972.620.2523. She will happily answer any questions you have about the Foundation and about Elephant Havens in Botswana. Our U.S. Operations office’s mailing address is 4104 Calculus Drive, Dallas, TX 75244, United States.
What is AmazonSmile and how does it contribute to Elephant Havens?
Every time you shop on Amazon.com you can be making a donation to us! Simply go to smile.amazon.com and choose Elephant Havens as your charitable organization to support. For every order you place, Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible AmazonSmile purchases to us. You’re still shopping on Amazon, just make sure you access the site through smile.amazon.com each time you order. Those small percentages can add up fast, so thank you for supporting us this way.
Double your impact.
If your company matches employee donations, your gift can go twice as far to help our young elephants. We can supply any needed documentation. See our FAQs page for details. Every donation helps us rescue and save more orphaned elephants.
DOUBLE YOUR GIFT NOW
Donate today to help protect Africa’s elephants.
