WFFT Volunteer Takes on 500+ Mile Challenge to Support Rescued Elephants

A recent volunteer, UK-based Jennifer (Jen) Chaney, is embarking on an extraordinary challenge – walking the length of England to raise awareness and funds for elephants rescued from lives of chains and exploitation.

Jen will set off on 8 April, walking more than 500 miles at an average of around 20 miles per day over several weeks. Her challenge aims to support the work of WFFT, providing lifelong care for wild animals, including elephants rescued from tourism, trekking, logging, and other exploitative situations.

Having recently volunteered at the sanctuary, Jen was deeply moved by the stories of elephants who had spent decades chained, overworked, and subjected to physical and psychological trauma.

“If they cannot walk free, I will walk for them,” she says on her GoFundMe page.

Throughout her journey, Jen will share individual stories of rescued elephants, helping to shine a light on the ongoing issue of elephant exploitation. Many captive elephants suffer from long-term injuries, trauma, and deprivation, and cannot be returned to the wild, making sanctuaries essential for their survival, rehabilitation, and welfare.

You can follow along on Jen’s Instagram and TikTok.

Funds raised will support rescue efforts and the long-term care of rescued elephants, helping them to live as naturally as possible.

Jen hopes the challenge will not only raise vital funds but also encourage the public to think more critically about elephant tourism and the hidden suffering behind it, and not to participate in or support unethical animal tourism such as elephant rides or performances.

She added: “This walk is temporary. Their suffering has not been. Let’s break the chain – together.”

Edwin Wiek, WFFT Founder and Director, says: “We are incredibly grateful to Jen for literally going the extra mile to raise awareness and funds to help elephants in Thailand. Still today, there are almost the same number of elephants in captivity in Thailand as there are in the wild. Slowly, change is happening, and that is because of education and awareness. Many more people today understand the harm behind elephant riding, bathing, and shows, and by not participating in these activities, more and more elephant trekking camps are moving towards more ethical models that do not harm and exploit elephants in the same way. But there is still work to be done. As long as people pay to ride, swim with, or watch an elephant show, the exploitation will continue.”

You can support Jen’s challenge by donating or sharing her fundraiser page.