rescue and

survival foundation

asia

protection through education

Elephant Asia Rescue and Survival foundation (EARS) was launched in Hong Kong in November 2010 to promote awareness of the plight of the Asian elephant. As well as overseeing the care of privately owned elephants, EARS works closely and supports sanctuaries and projects throughout Asia, and also offers educational advice for visitors to Asia about the use of elephants in tourist activities.

Louise Rogerson

Founder & CEO

Louise Rogerson, founder of EARS, is originally from the UK, and lived in Hong Kong for 15 years before moving to Cambodia in 2012. She has a lifelong passion for animal welfare and has worked with various animal charities, most recognizably Animals Asia Foundation. From a visit to Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand in April 2010, Louise further researched the captive elephant situation and was horrified at the barbaric cruelty inflicted on these gentle giants. Elephants suffer greatly at the hands of man and after visiting elephant camps, hospitals, and sanctuaries caring for these beautiful creatures, Louise realised the necessity to launch an educational charity to promote ‘responsible tourism’.

Throughout Thailand, in major tourist destinations, thousands of tourists ride elephants and watch them perform in shows at elephant camps each year. It’s a hard life for both the elephant and their mahout (handler), they work long hours often with no day off. Living standards for mahouts are basic; they live in wooden homes on stilts, with no hot water, often with no sanitation, cooking over an open fire, with very little possessions, trying to earn enough money for their family and to feed their elephant.

At present, Louise is pressing forward to work with other organisations to improve the lives for ALL the elephants, the mahouts and their families working in tourism, and not just the ones lucky enough to live at sanctuaries. She is looking at ways to offer a more gentle form of tourism, to improve the welfare for the elephant, maintain a livelihood for the mahout and the camp owner, whilst also satisfying the tour package deals and the variety of nationalities visiting Asia who want to experience elephants up close.

Thank you for visiting Elephant Asia Rescue and Survival Foundation (EARS).

If you have any questions, queries, comments or recommendations Louise would love to hear from you so please send an email to: [email protected]

who we are

Carmel Huber

Director - Hong Kong

Carmel Huber grew up in the UK where she fell in love with the many animals of all shapes and sizes at her local zoo. At the age of 12 she moved to Asia, and here developed a passion for animal welfare and wildlife conservation. Currently living in the Hong Kong countryside, surrounded by her dogs and tortoises, Carmel is thrilled to be part of the EARS team to help continue our cause to save the Asian elephant.

In addition to her genuine love for all animals, Carmel brings with her numerous skills having had many years experience working in corporate marketing. She also has a background in education, having worked with children and business professionals alike, and gives presentations highlighting awareness for the Asian elephant to schools and private groups throughout Hong Kong.

For fundraising, marketing or presentations enquiries in Hong Kong, please email Carmel at: [email protected]