“For Elephants” is dedicated to the survival of the world’s African elephants through research, conservation, and education. We take on this mission to save elephants from extinction and invite others to join us, so that we may live in a world where elephants always exist.
For Elephants is everything elephant– science, research, education, community, and caring. The organization was established in Nebraska and Nebraska values are core to our mission.
The Mission
Why is this organization based in Nebraska?
A message from our founder, Dr. Kari Morfeld.
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?
Elephant Expert & Founder: Dr. Kari Morfeld
Dr. Morfeld has been conducting elephant research in Africa since 2000 and leading groups to South Africa since 2010. She received her Ph.D. from George Mason University in collaboration with the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, studying elephant reproduction, welfare, health, and conservation specializing in Wildlife Endocrinology. She also has a degree in Biostatistics.
Dr. Morfeld's research emphasizes developing and implementing practical methods to promote reproduction, health, and welfare of elephants in zoos and in the wild. The For Elephants research laboratory in South Africa is a collaboration with Elephants Alive, who has been a foundation partner for over 10 years. The For Elephants goal is to produce scientific data that will inform management decisions in South Africa. In US Zoos, Dr. Morfeld uses her expertise in endocrine (hormones) research to study reproduction, health, and welfare to increase elephant reproductive rates and improve welfare for elephants in zoos.
What does For Elephants do?
We are built on a foundation of scientific research. Although we do the rigorous processes of sound research, the larger challenge is transforming our findings into conservation action. For Elephants conducts the science but also takes it to the next level by applying what we learn to make informed conservation changes.
We connect people with elephants – instilling an understanding of and connection to our mission. You can help. You can lead others to help. Learn more about how you can be involved in elephant research and outreach.
We talk, inspire, and empower. Locally and globally. As an inspirational and informed speaker and educator, Dr. Morfeld transfers her scientific knowledge about elephants and wild places into empowering others to improve themselves and the planet. Learn how to schedule Dr. Morfeld and For Elephants for your academic, business, or personal events.