OUR HISTORY
Our journey began with a commitment to make a lasting difference for endangered Asian elephants. Their future depends on us.
1980
The Abraham Foundation was established to protect animals, wild and domestic, who have no voice of their own.
2018
The Abraham Foundation launched
Trunks Up, an independent initiative dedicated to protecting Asian elephants across Southeast Asia in partnership with Lek Chailert.
2019
Volunteer-led events across the U.S. sparked the creation of Trunks Up Chapters, bringing communities together to raise awareness about the challenges facing Asian elephants.
2020
February
In response to the pandemic, Trunks Up launched its first online campaign: Emergency COVID-19 Relief for Elephant Nature Park. With Thailand’s borders closed, this fundraiser provided vital support for over 5,000 animals at the sanctuary.
June
Trunks Up supporters helped fund the historic rescue of the Magnificent Seven from a trekking camp in southern Thailand—marking a record-breaking rescue for Lek Chailert and the Save Elephant Foundation team.
August
The Trunks Up Foster Program was created in response to the COVID-19 crisis, transforming a challenge into an opportunity to support a more sustainable future for elephants. By partnering with various elephant projects across Thailand, Cambodia, & Laos, the program prioritizes elephant welfare while promoting ethical tourism throughout Asia.
August
When Phuket Zoo closed due to the pandemic, Trunks Up supported the rescue of San Mueang and Tang Mo, helping them escape horrific conditions and find freedom at Elephant Nature Park.
2021
January
Thanks to an incredible global fundraising effort, Kaavan’s 30-acre jungle home was built at Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary, offering him a life of peace and freedom after his heartbreaking years in a Pakistani zoo.
February
Trunks Up partnered with Dr. Jane Goodall to launch the Foodbank Campaign, providing essential food for over 2,000 captive elephants in Thailand during the ongoing pandemic.
October
In honor of Lek’s 60th birthday, Trunks Up raised the funds needed to rescue Raya from the logging industry. She arrived at Elephant Nature Park just in time for the holidays, ending the year with a miracle.
2022
June
Funds were swiftly raised to rebuild the Karen Elephant Home Night Shelter, ensuring two bull elephant brothers had a safe and secure place to rest each night.
October
The Build a Clinic Campaign was completed uniting supporters worldwide to help fulfill Lek Chailert's dream of building a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital at Elephant Nature Park.
November
In response to devastating flooding at Elephant Nature Park, Trunks Up launched the 2022 Flood Repair Fundraiser for Giving Tuesday.
2023
May
At 82 years old, Sopa was rescued from a life of exploitation—enduring abuse from logging, trekking, and forced breeding. Now at Elephant Nature Park, she is finally free, living in peace and comfort.
July
Fhan Dee was rescued just days after collapsing from malnutrition and poor health. With dedicated care from the ENP vet team, she has made a remarkable recovery and is thriving.
November
The first-ever Trunks Up Tour brought a group of passionate Elephant Guardians to Elephant Nature Park, offering them a hands-on experience to witness the life-changing work happening on the ground.
December
VaNa was rescued at only 29 years old, bearing the scars of forced breeding and a broken leg. She is now on her path to healing at ENP, surrounded by care and compassion.
2024
May
Trunks Up hosted two unforgettable events in New York City—our most successful yet! With Lek Chailert sharing her vision for elephant welfare, we provided an exclusive pre-launch of our Future Roams Free campaign, kicking off efforts to raise funds for the expansion of Elephant Nature Park.
August
In celebration of World Elephant Day, Trunks Up globally launched the Future Roams Free campaign to secure the perimeter of Lek Chailert’s new land. This crucial step will help create Asia’s first 24-hour, free-roaming elephant sanctuary.
October
After devastating floods struck Elephant Nature Park, Trunks Up launched the Emergency Flood Relief effort, rallying the community to support recovery. The funds helped restore critical infrastructure, clear debris, and ensure the well-being of the thousands of animals who call the sanctuary home.
2025
These gatherings included special screenings of Love and Bananas: An Elephant Story, helping to raise critical funds for the Save Elephant Foundation and Elephant Nature Park.
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FINANCES
At Trunks Up, we prioritize transparency, ensuring our donors understand exactly how their contributions make a difference. Trust is the cornerstone of our community of elephant lovers, united in our mission to create a brighter future for Asian elephants.