Last spring, staff at the Claypen learned about an amazing organization in Kenya named DSWT - the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Among other things, it is an elephant orphanage. We immediately loved what they do and decided to find a way to support them. We started the “Adopt an Elephant” program, in which customers paint elephant statues and the Claypen donates 10% of the sale to DSWT. Customers also get their name displayed on the wall behind the register. Included with our elephants are adoption certificates and a blanket, which is something that DSWT does for their real live elephants to keep them feeling warm and secure.
The Adopt an Elephant program has been very successful! Thanks to our amazing customers, last week we were able to make a large donation to DSWT and foster our very own elephant for 2017!
His name is Jotto and he just turned one year old. Jotto had a rocky beginning but is starting to adjust and thrive. At one month old, Jotto was found orphaned in a well. He was rescued by DSWT and has been recuperating, growing up and re - adjusting to family life.
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Part of fostering at DSWT is monthly updates and pictures, and access to his keeper’s log. Anyone can access this information via our facebook page and we hope that people visit often. We can’t wait to see what the year brings for Jotto and his friends.
Since we’ve enjoyed these past few months so much, as we continue to follow Jotto’s progress, we’ll be starting to look for a new animal to support. And because our customers are to thank, we’d love to have their input! So we’ve set up a voting box at the front of our studio for customers to vote for their favorite animal-in-need. There are still one more week to paint elephants and donate to the Jotto fund, which closes on January 31, so we’re encouraging people to do both on the same visit!
