As November 15th approaches, we're thrilled to celebrate another milestone in the remarkable life of Mosha, the elephant who started it all. Her journey from a tiny calf facing an unimaginable challenge to becoming a global symbol of resilience and elephant conservation continues to inspire our mission and remind us why protecting these magnificent animals matters now more than ever.
Mosha's name means "star" in the Karen language, and she has truly lived up to that name. When she was just seven months old, Mosha was walking through the jungle with her mother when tragedy struck. She stepped on a landmine near the Thai-Myanmar border and lost part of her right front leg.
Fortunately, Mosha was rushed to the Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital in Lampang, Thailand, where dedicated veterinarians fought to save her life. They achieved something groundbreaking: Mosha became the first elephant in the world to receive a functional prosthetic leg. Today, years later, she continues to thrive, receiving new prosthetic legs once or twice each year as she grows.
Mosha's journey highlights critical issues that Asian elephants face and demonstrates why dedicated elephant conservation efforts are essential for the survival of these magnificent animals.
A staggering 16 of Thailand's 77 provinces are still affected by landmines, remnants of past conflicts that continue to threaten both humans and wildlife. The Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital has treated more than a dozen similar injuries over the years. This ongoing danger underscores a harsh reality: elephants often bear the consequences of human activities, whether through direct harm like landmines or through habitat destruction and human-elephant conflict.
Asian elephants are classified as endangered, with populations declining across their range due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and human pressures. Every individual elephant matters for the survival of the species, making stories like Mosha's even more significant. The medical innovation that gave Mosha her prosthetic leg demonstrates what's possible when expertise, compassion, and resources come together for elephant conservation.
When Marc Spits visited Thailand and met baby Mosha at the elephant hospital, he was deeply moved by her story. That encounter sparked an idea: what if art could be a bridge between people and elephant conservation? That's how Elephant Parade was born.
Since 2006, we've been creating stunning art exhibitions that bring elephant conservation to life in cities around the globe. Mosha has remained at the heart of our mission. In every Elephant Parade exhibition, a special Mosha sculpture takes center stage, complete with a prosthetic leg just like the real Mosha.
At Elephant Parade, we dedicate 20% of our net profits to elephant welfare and conservation projects worldwide, including €25,000 per year to Friends of the Asian Elephant, Mosha's home. This structural support funds medical care for injured elephants, habitat protection, human-elephant conflict mitigation programs, and education initiatives.
Every elephant sculpture purchased from our collection contributes to these vital elephant conservation efforts. When you choose an Elephant Parade piece, you're not just acquiring beautiful elephant art; you're becoming part of a global movement for elephant conservation.
As we mark another year in Mosha's incredible life, we invite you to celebrate with us. Her journey reminds us that elephant conservation works when people care enough to act. Support elephant conservation by sharing Mosha's story, choosing Mosha-inspired elephant decor, or visiting an Elephant Parade exhibition.
Mosha's birthday isn't just a celebration of one remarkable elephant—it's a call to action for everyone who believes these magnificent animals deserve to thrive. Happy birthday, Mosha. Your strength and resilience continue to inspire us all, and your legacy extends far beyond your own story to touch the lives of elephants across Asia.
