The exhibition, featuring 88 decorated elephant statues has been staged to honour the 88th birthday of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej
The exhibition, featuring 88 decorated elephant statues has been staged to honour the 88th birthday of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, along with Elephant Parade, has launched an open air art exhibition – Elephant Parade Bangkok 2015. The exhibition, featuring 88 decorated elephant statues has been staged to honour the 88th birthday of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The first Elephant Parade was held in Rotterdam, Netherlands, in 2007 and has since exhibited in many cities around the world including London, Singapore, Amsterdam, Milan and Hong Kong. Bangkok Elephant Parade 2015 is a first for Thailand and will be the only one for the capital.
All 88 elephants showcased in Elephant Parade Bangkok are available for the public to own through an online auction. In February 2016, a final selection of elephants will be auctioned off by Christies at a gala dinner to be held at Anantara Siam Bangkok. Proceeds from both auctions will be donated to the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, who in turn will select strategic partners to drive forward key projects including building the first elephant clinic in Chiang Mai’s Mae Teang Valley, expanding their Positive Reinforcement Target Training Project to more elephants and helping to protect the wild elephants in Thailand’s National Parks.
“The more awareness that is raised on the plight of domestic and wild elephants in Thailand, the better the chances we have for their survival,” William Heinecke, chairman and CEO, Minor International, the parent company of Anantara, Hotels Resorts & Spas, commented, adding, “I can’t think of a better way to raise awareness and money than bringing the largest open air art exhibition in support of Asian Elephants to Bangkok.”
Supporters of Elephant Parade Bangkok include stars such and artists such as Nirut Sirichhanya, Tony Jaa, Paul Smith, DJ Hardwell and varioud Thai celebrities.
Fast and Furious 7 star and Elephant Parade Ambassador, Tony Jaa said, “In my life I have spent a lot of quality time with elephants. I grew up in a mahout family and started my movie career with an elephant as a co-star. I want to thank all the people and organisations who take the time and resources to ensure the safety of these intelligent creatures in Thailand and around the world.”
Actress and Elephant Parade Bangkok ambassador, Sirinya Bishop said, “I am so excited and honoured to be chosen to be one of the artists for the Elephant Parade. What a wonderful way to get people talking and taking action in elephant conservation. The elephant is our country’s national animal and symbol, but somehow this once-revered and noble creature is now forced to beg for food on the busy and dangerous streets of the capital. I truly hope that this magnificent colourful pachyderm parade will raise the awareness and inspire us all to take more concrete steps to ensure their survival and wellbeing.”
The 1.5 metre elephants are on show from December 1 to 18, 2015 Siam Paragon. The herd will then move to Asiatique on the banks of the Chao Phraya river from December 20, 2015 to January 11, 2016 and finally Lumpini Park from January 18 to 29, 2016.
