SIDEKICK Foundation, Inc. is an essential part to the success of Mara Elephant Project.
SIDEKICK Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) based in the U.S. It was founded in 2011 with the mission to protect and restore endangered wildlife species globally by encouraging the collaboration of world-class talent and local expertise by funding boots on the ground initiatives and well-informed charitable partners. To date SIDEKICK has focused its efforts and funding on combating the illegal killing of elephants by supporting boots on the ground initiatives, like MEP, to stop poaching and international organizations aimed at combatting the root causes behind the demand for ivory.
This initial focus has proven successful with new international organizations such as Stop Ivory and Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI) raising awareness internationally about why it’s vital that urgent action to address the plight of elephants is essential. In addition, increased levels of funding are being secured through organizations like Tusk Trust to support efforts around the globe by governments, conservationists and citizens seeking to protect elephants and other endangered species.
Through the funding provided by SIDEKICK, boots on the ground efforts, such as Save the Elephants (STE) and MEP, are the leaders in protecting elephants. The number of elephants being poached for their ivory is reduced in the areas where these organizations operate in partnership with the Kenyan Wildlife Service and others. In contrast, numbers of killed elephants and other endangered species like rhinos, lions, leopards and cheetahs continue to rise due to the illegal wildlife trade, human-wildlife conflict (HWC) and loss of habitat. In order to sustainably conserve these declining species, it is imperative to secure their existing habitats and re-establish former rangelands. The protection of elephants and the protection of their habitat will take strong political leadership, partnerships and an increase in stakeholders’ willingness to work together towards a common goal.
It’s a good thing SIDEKICK and MEP founder Suzanne Fehsenfeld is up to the challenge. Her passion and dedication to conservation is not just a surface commitment, she puts her money where her passion is. Her impact on conservation through organizations like SIDEKICK and MEP has saved elephant lives.
