About the H-ELP Foundation
The Human Elephant Learning Programs (H-ELP) foundation is an Australian organisation improving the welfare of working elephants in Asia via the systematic application of humane, evidence-based training initiatives, education, engagement with local communities and relevant stakeholders.
Through our programs, H-ELP currently contributes to the development, welfare and safety of elephant handlers and trainers across India, Thailand and Myanmar.
Founded by Dr Andrew McLean and Laurie Pond in 2010, H-ELP has grown significantly as Andrew’s systematic approach to elephant training is recognised as a viable and safe alternative to traditional submission-based methods. The remaining foundation members of H-ELP also have similar professional interests.
In 2014, H-ELP published its manual Elephant Friendly Training for Working Elephants written by Dr Andrew McLean which has since been translated into Assamese, Malayalam, Thai and Burmese and it has unanimously received a positive reception.
Our Vision
That the enormous share of the Asian elephant Elephas maximus species that are in captivity may live the best life that they can. We hope that someday all Asian Elephants can live in free-range environments that will no longer require human interaction. However, until that time comes, the H-ELP Foundation is committed to creating the best life for elephants possible, using scientific, evidence-based training techniques and frameworks.
Our Mission
To expand the number of Asian elephants that we are able to assist by educating mahouts on how to continue with our training techniques. To introduce our techniques by sending trainers into the field to share the principles and methods of scientific training, in such a way that their cultural and traditional elements are preserved and don’t have a negative impact on elephant welfare. For example, the way mahouts mount elephants varies across Asia. We don’t aim to unify the way the mahouts mount the elephants, but ensure that each method used for training elephants to be mounted uses evidence-based training processes. We also aim to disperse the best practices we have encountered across other organisations. Donations and funding assist us to carry out this work across SouthEast Asia, and to re-develop our training book with new editions and translations into relevant languages.
Our Investment Strategy & Projects
We are currently investing in a new edition of our ‘How To Train An Elephant’ manual, concentrating on developing strong foundations and connections in Australia as well as overseas. Our project to improve the elephants saddles in partnership with saddler, Peter Horobin, has made some progress. During the November 2017 Thailand workshop, the team measured individual elephant’s back length, shape and circumference. The next stage of the project requires days spent on the ground to investigate further the working environment of the mahouts, how they keep their saddles, the materials they use, what is best in tropical climates, weights, durability and costs. We had aimed to do this already, but due to the economic constraints in Myanmar and catastrophic flood in India the second stage of the saddle project has been postponed to a later date.
2010
Our Beginnings
With the help of our patron, Christine Townend, the H-ELP Foundation was founded in 2010 with Dr Andrew McLean and Laurie Pond.
2016
Active Programs
From our early experiences in Nepal, we have now grown from a pilot program to 7 on-going programs across India, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand.
2017
Awarded DGR Status
It was a long journey, but the H-ELP Foundation Ltd now has Deductible Gift Recipient Status (DGR). Not only does this mean we have full accreditation as a charity within Australia, but it also means we can issue tax-deductible receipts for any donation over $2!
Help us to advance elephant welfare
Your donation will provide a training manual for a mahout. To say thanks, we'll send you one, too.