Herd of hope hits fundraising trail

A 13-strong herd of life-size elephant sculptures are on the march to raise cash to buy native habitat areas in India.

The green-coloured animals, which are made of steel from recycled cars and clover foliage, yesterday stopped off on Inchydoney Island in West Cork on their way to Dublin and London.

The Asian elephants are led by an 11-foot tall adult called Tusker.



The 'Survival Tour' is the brainchild of conservation charity Elephant Family, which intends to raise €1m to buy a parcel of land connecting two forests in India.

Spokeswoman Ruth Powys said: "The Asian elephant is one of nature's most charismatic and loved animals. However little is known about its incredibly endangered status. By bringing the life-size herd to the Irish public we hope to harness this affection and use it to help save this magnificent creature from extinction."

Funds raised on the 'Survival Tour' will go towards the purchase of a 6.5km by 1.5km section of habitat in Kerala which connects two key pockets of forest. It will provide a safe migratory route for up to 3,000 Asian elephants.