A Message From Our Founder:
I am from a small farming community of around 200 people: Creston, Nebraska. Since I was a child, I had a strong connection with nature and animals. A small-town girl with global inspirations - it was my dream to work for National Geographic and African wildlife. Turns out dreams do come true! Well, not the National Geographic part, but I’ve been blessed to keep following my wild dreams of studying elephants and working in Africa for nearly 20 years.
I value Nebraska ethics: hard work, family, community, and perseverance. Saving elephants from extinction is in direct alignment with Nebraska values. I am proud to be from Nebraska and know that people from Nebraska will understand and support this mission because although we will never forget our roots, we like to dream big, challenge ourselves, and others around us. It’s about working harder than you think you are capable of for a mission larger than yourself. That is Nebraska.
It is my mission to exemplify and teach compassion through science and inspiration – for animals, nature, and people. My two daughters, Scarlett and Gianna, are also elephant enthusiasts and I teach them these values every day. The decline of elephant populations is not a local issue specific to Africa – it is a global issue. The way we can reverse the predicted extinction of elephants is by connecting people from all areas of the world with the issue and understanding each person’s unique connection and role. What role will you play?
Undergraduate Internships
For Elephants offers undergraduate internships starting in May each year!
As an intern at For Elephants, you will engage in various fundamental laboratory tasks such as sample processing, analysis, and data entry. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to participate in community outreach events and fundraising initiatives.
This role will not only deepen your understanding of elephant conservation but also enhance your skills in scientific research and community engagement.
For more information on the internship and application process, please click the link below to be redirected to our dedicated Internship page!
Graduate-Level Education Partnerships
For Elephants is currently partnered with the University of Nebraska system to offer graduate studies specializing in elephant conservation. Our partnership with the University of Nebraska, Omaha allows students to study elephant reproduction and conservation for a Master’s degree, whereas our partnership allows aspiring elephant researchers to obtain their doctorate degree.
Contact us today to learn how to become a joint NU/For Elephants graduate student!
International Partnerships
At For Elephants, we believe that successful conservation requires collaboration.
Guided by this principle, we have established international partnerships with two esteemed South African conservation organizations.
Elephants ALIVE, founded by Dr. Michelle Henley, is dedicated to ensuring the survival of elephants and their habitats while fostering a harmonious coexistence between elephants and people. Their team supports our efforts by collecting fecal samples while tracking collared elephants in the field.
The Black Mambas are an all-female ranger group who work closely with Elephants Alive in South Africa. Elephants Alive assists in training the Black Mambas in beekeeping and permaculture. Together, they have installed 100 beehives and are cultivating three types of gardens: food crops for their families, medicinal plants for natural treatments, and crops that elephants find unpalatable.
We take pride in our international partnerships and are excited to share updates on our collaborative research projects over the next few years.
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