Elephant Parade

ELEPHANT PARADE – GENERAL

Q: How was the idea of Elephant Parade born?
Answer
- Elephant Parade was inspired by a brave baby elephant named Mosha that had lost part of her leg after stepping on a landmine.
- Father and son, Marc and Mike Spits, were so moved by Mosha’s story that they founded Elephant Parade in 2006 to help raise money for the important work of elephant hospitals and towards elephant conservation in general.
- In 2008, baby elephant Mosha was the first baby elephant in the world to receive a prosthetic leg.
- Mosha, which means ‘Star’ in "Karen", the language of traditional Northern Thailand, is a universal example of the ability to overcome even the greatest obstacles. It is her spirit that has been driving Elephant Parade’s work and efforts up to this day.
Q: What is Elephant Parade's mission?
Answer
- LET’S PAINT A BRIGHTER FUTURE!
- We believe in the power of a global movement to make a happier world through Art, Business and Conservation (ABC). Our worldwide art exhibitions and products put smiles on the faces of millions of people and create awareness and funds for elephant conservation.
- Be part of it.
Q: Is Elephant Parade a Charity?
Answer
- Elephant Parade is not a charity, but a Social Enterprise and owns the intellectual property rights of Elephant Parade. Elephant Parade is registered in The Netherlands.
- A Social Enterprise is an organization that applies commercial strategies to maximize improvements in both human and environmental well-being.
- Elephant Parade generates money from event services and product sales and donates 20% of their net profits to elephant welfare and conservation projects worldwide.
Q: What makes a Social Enterprise different from a NGO/Charity?
Answer
We believe that a business can contribute to creating a better and happier world. Unlike a charity, Elephant Parade is not dependent on donations but generates its own revenue of which we donate a large part to projects we support. We offer a concept where all our activities such as our parades, our web shop and our conservational efforts work together for our main goal: saving the elephant.
Q: How is Elephant Parade organised?
Answer
- Elephant Parade® is registered and headquartered in The Netherlands.
- The production facility, Elephant Parade Production co. LTD. (EPP) and the retail divisions Elephant Parade Retail Thailand Ltd. (EPRT) and Elephant Parade Export Company Ltd. (EPEC) are registered in Thailand and based in Chiang Mai.

Elephant Parade Exhibitions

Q: When and where was the first Elephant Parade exhibition held?
Answer
The first Elephant Parade exhibition was held in Rotterdam, The Netherlands in 2007. It was a great success that marked the start of our global expansion.

Q: How many Elephant Parade exhibitions were held?

Answer

30 Elephant Parade Exhibitions in:

Rio De Janeiro 2018
Schiphol 2018
Canoas 2018
London 2018
Belo Horizonte (2018)
India (2018)
Shanghai (2017)
São Paulo (2017)
Laren (2017)
Chiang Mai (2016)
Taiwan (2016)
Floripa (2015)
Calais (2015)
Souzhuu (2015)
Bangkok (2015)

Hong Kong (2014)
UK National Tour (2013-14)
Dana Point (USA) (2013)
Trier-Luxembourg (2013)
Hasselt (2012)
Singapore (2011)
Milan (2011)
Copenhagen (2011)
Heerlen (2011)
Emmen (2010)
Bergen (2010)
London (2010)
Amsterdam (2009)
Antwerp (2008)
Rotterdam (2007)

Q: Where will the next Elephant Parade exhibition be?
Answer
Please check our Parades section for next Parades.
Q: What is the average number of Elephant Parade statues exhibited?
Answer
- The size of the herd depends on the size of the exhibiting city and the agreement. The minimum number of elephants in a Parade is 25. The largest herd ever was in London in 2010 with 257 elephants.
Q: How do the Elephant Parade exhibitions work?
Answer
For several weeks or months, brightly painted and decorated life-size art elephants bring colour and vibrancy to the cities they visit. The elephants are created by local and international artists as well as world-famous celebrities. Each elephant is a unique piece of art.
Q: How many people have visited Elephant Parade exhibitions?
Answer
An estimated 100 million people have experienced Elephant Parade expositions worldwide. Putting a smile on the faces of so many people and raising awareness for elephant conservation motivates us to do what we do, day after day.

ELEPHANT PARADE STATUES

Q: What are the Elephant Parade statues made of?
Answer
The Elephant Parade statues are made of Fibreglass.
Q: What is the size and weight of an Elephant Parade statue?
Answer
The standard Elephant Parade statues are:

Standing:
- Height: 150 cm
- Length: 164 cm
- Width: 77 cm
- Weight: 55 kgs
Sitting:
- Height: 142 cm
- Length: 132 cm
- Width: 107 cm
- Weight: 65 kgs
Q: How many Elephant Parade statues have been created?
Answer
To date over 1300 original Elephant Parade art-pieces have been created and there’s plenty more coming!
Q: Are the Elephant Parade statues for outdoor or indoor use?
Answer
Most of the Elephant Parade statues can be displayed both outdoors and indoors.
Q: What happens with the Elephant Parade statues after an exhibition?
Answer
- We currently have two ‘travelling herds’, one for Asia and one for Europe. These herds travel from parade to parade.
- The elephants in the herds are for sale and if sold, replaced by new designs.
- Between herds the elephants come back to our facilities in Chiang Mai; Elephant Parade Land, where they welcome visitors.

ELEPHANT PARADE ARTISTS AND SUPPORTERS

Q: Who are the Elephant Parade artists?
Answer
- Elephant Parade statues are created by both upcoming and world-renowned artists and celebrities from all over the world.
- Among our artists and supporters are Jack Vettriano, Ronald Ventura, Richard Branson, HRH Prince Consort of Denmark, Katy Perry, Diane von Furstenberg, Ferrari, DJ Hardwell, Virgin and many others
Q: Do the artists make money from their contribution?
Answer
15% of the pre-sold or auction price of the Elephant Parade statue goes to the artist., unless they decide to waive their fee in which case the money directly contributes to elephant conservation.
Q: Can artists do whatever design they want?
Answer
- Artists are free to make their design up to a certain level, however Elephant Parade does not accept designs that are offensive, given the cheerful and accessible nature of the concept. We do encourage free thinking as has been proven by the many different designs and art works so far.
- The artist is first asked to make their design on paper or digitally. When Elephant Parade has approved the design, the artist is asked to execute the work on a large scale elephant.
Q: How do I become an Elephant Parade artist?
Answer
- Elephant Parade is always looking for creative designs for our art exhibition. If you are an artist, designer, or a creative spirit who would like to have its own designed elephant exhibited in our next exhibition, don’t hesitate to submit your idea sketches to us!
- Contact information: artistmanagement@elephantparade.com
- To ensure the best curatorial and art exhibition standards, our art committee will decide on the final selection of artwork for every Elephant Parade.

Elephant Parade Exhibition Auctions

Q: Elephant Parade Exhibition Auctions
Answer
- In some occasions, the organizer of a parade will close the exhibition with an auction of part or all of the herd.
- What happens with the money raised at Elephant Parade exhibitions?
- Of the pre-sold proceeds of the exposition Elephant Parade statues, a minimum of 30% of the proceeds is donated to NGO Elephant Family. In case of an auction, net proceeds with a minimum of 30% are donated to Elephant Family
Q: What is Elephant Parade's mission?
Answer
- LET’S PAINT A BRIGHTER FUTURE!
- We believe in the power of a global movement to make a happier world through Art, Business and Conservation (ABC). Our worldwide art exhibitions and products put smiles on the faces of millions of people and create awareness and funds for elephant conservation.
- Be part of it.
Q: What was the highest amount raised for a single Elephant Parade statue?
Answer
The top price paid for an Elephant Parade statue at an auction was 155,000 GBP in 2010 for 'The singing Butler Rides Again' by Jack Vettriano.
Q: How does pre-selling work?
Answer
During the Elephant Parade exhibition, the elephants can be offered at a 'buy-now-price'.
Q: What is the minimum bid-price for an Elephant Parade statue at auction?
Answer
The minimum bid-price for an Elephant Parade statue is € 5,000.
Q: How many people attended an Elephant Parade auction event?
Answer
Over 3000 people have attended Elephant Parade auction events.

Elephant Parade Products

Q: Does Elephant Parade make replicas of all the original Elephant Parade statues?
Answer
Elephant Parade selects a number of designs of each Elephant Parade exhibition of which they create Limited edition handcrafted replicas as well as a select range of products.
Q: Where are the Elephant Parade replicas being made?
Answer
- Elephant Parade replicas are made by Elephant Parade Production co. Ltd., which is located at Elephant Parade Land in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. Anyone is welcome to visit and enjoy a tour of the factory and see the beautiful elephants in our garden!
- The Elephant Parade studio counts over 150 dedicated and talented painters.
Q: How many Elephant Parade replica designs are there?
Answer
Elephant Parade offers more than 300 Elephant Parade replica designs.
Q: In what sizes are the Elephant Parade replicas available?
Answer
Elephant Parade Replicas are available in the following sizes: 7cm, 10cm, 15cm, 20cm, 30cm and 75cm.
Q: How do I recognize the Elephant Parade replica authenticity?
Answer
- Each Elephant Parade replica comes with a certificate of origin.
- Since 2011, all 10 cm and larger Elephant Parade replicas come with a hologram on one foot.
Q: What other merchandise does Elephant Parade develop?
Answer
Other merchandise by Elephant Parade includes the Elephant Parade Artbox, Mugs, Keyrings, Artbooks, bags, caps, t-shirts and we continuously develop new attractive items such as bags, caps, t-shirts and so on.

Elephant Parade Retail

Q: Where can I buy Elephant Parade replicas and products?
Answer
Elephant Parade replicas and merchandise are being sold in 18 countries over 225 stores and via the Elephant Parade webshop: https://www.elephantparade.com/shop
Q: Where can I find the list of Elephant Parade retailers?
Answer
Elephant Parade retailers can be found at: https://www.elephantparade.com/find-a-store
Q: Can I buy Elephant Parade products during an Elephant Parade exhibition?
Answer
Elephant Parade exhibitions are often accompanied by an Elephant Parade Pop Up Shop.

Elephant Parade - Conservation

Q: How does Elephant Parade Support Elephants?
Answer
- Elephant Parade donates 20% of its net profits to elephant welfare and conservation projects worldwide.
- NGO Elephant Family receives a minimum of EUR 25,000 a year. And Freinds of the Asian Elephant (home of Mosha) also receives a minimum of EUR 25,000 a year.
- In addition, Elephant Parade shall also donate any additional money generated by Elephant Parade's sales and activities in aid of elephant conservation in each quarter ("Additional Donation"). The Additional Donation reflects 20% of Elephant Parade's net profits and is made in addition to the EUR 50,000 yearly Minimum Donation.
- NGO Elephant Family uses these donations to support several projects and reports back to Elephant Parade on the spend.
Q: What is Elephant Family?
Answer
- Elephant Family is the most specialized Asian elephant NGO with a proven track record of making a difference for Asia's elephants. Elephant Family's projects span from India to Indonesia, and since their founding in 2002, they have delivered over 150 projects to save elephants from extinction. For more information visit their website: http://elephant-family.org.
- Elephant Parade and Elephant family have joined forces to battle for a brighter future for Asia's elephants.
Q: Where does the money go?
Answer
Elephant Parade donates the money to registered UK based NGO Elephant Family. You can see the projects that they support across Asia here (link to EF projects map). A minimum of € 25,000 goes to Elephant Family on an annual basis.
Q: Who can I contact for more information about Elephant Parade conservation work?
Answer
For any questions about Elephant Parade and Conservation, you can contact us at info@elephantparade.com

Mosha

Q: What is the story of Mosha?
Answer
- Mosha is a baby elephant who stepped on a landmine and lost part of her leg. Mosha, the first elephant in the world to receive a prosthetic leg, was the inspiration behind Elephant Parade.
- While on holiday in Thailand, Marc met a baby elephant named Mosha, who had lost her leg after stepping on a landmine. Mosha inspired Marc and Mike to create Elephant Parade: "We wanted to help Mosha and do something structural, something that would be profitable in the long run. This is the only way in which we can provide the elephant with a sustainable future".
- In 2007, the first exhibition was held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Mosha has been featured in every Elephant Parade exhibition event since 2007.
- Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital, Mosha's home base in Lampang, was the first organization to receive contributions generated by Elephant Parade and structurally continues to receive funds for taking care of Mosha for as long as she lives.
Q: How does Elephant Parade support Mosha?
Answer
Elephant Parade supports Mosha through an annual donation of one million Thai Baht (± EUR 25,000) to Friends of the Asian Elephant (home of Mosha).
Q: Where does Mosha live?
Answer
Mosha lives at the Friends of the Asian Elephant (FAE) Hospital in Lampang, Thailand.
Q: What is Mosha's age?
Answer
Mosha turned 16 years old in November 2021.
Q: What does 'Mosha' mean?
Answer
Mosha means 'Star' in the Karen language, the language of traditional Northern Thailand.
Q: Why is Mosha so important for Elephant Parade?
Answer
- Mosha is a universal example of the ability to overcome obstacles. Her spirit is what drives Elephant Parade's work up to this day.
- Mosha has featured in every Elephant Parade exhibition event since 2007

FAQ