{"id":160002,"date":"2021-01-25T16:54:45","date_gmt":"2021-01-25T16:54:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.natgeokids.com\/uk\/?p=160002"},"modified":"2021-04-26T15:12:15","modified_gmt":"2021-04-26T15:12:15","slug":"xavis-walk-to-save-elephants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.natgeokids.com\/nz\/kids-club\/cool-kids\/general-kids-club\/xavis-walk-to-save-elephants\/","title":{"rendered":"Xavi’s walk to save elephants!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Xavi, a young boy from Sussex, has raised over \u00a32,000 for India\u2019s rescued elephants \u2013 what an achievement!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After learning the story of Raju<\/strong>, an elephant<\/a> who was rescued from a lifetime of abuse <\/strong>by the charity, Wildlife SOS<\/strong>, Xavi was determined to help other elephants like him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, Xavi organised an online fundraising campaign <\/strong>that raised over \u00a31,700<\/strong> through raffles and a silent auction! This was an amazing result, but he was determined to challenge himself <\/strong>further\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, in January, he embarked on a Freedom Walk<\/strong>! Along with his mum and sister, Xavi walked 50km<\/strong> through the Sussex countryside near his home. The walk raised another \u00a3400 <\/strong>\u2013 go Xavi!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Xavi<\/a>
Xavi’s sister walked with him every step of the way!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Elephants at risk!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wildlife SOS currently care for 30 Indian elephants <\/strong>like Raju. These elephants were all once owned by humans, who mistreated <\/strong>them. Some were kept in captivity <\/strong>and confinement <\/strong>as temple elephants, while others were forced to perform <\/strong>in circuses<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the help and support of people like Xavi, Wildlife SOS can rescue these amazing animals and take them to a safe sanctuary <\/strong>where they can heal. Their Elephant Rehabilitation Centre <\/strong>is a place where the elephants can live happily, with lots of food, medical care,<\/strong> and even huge baths<\/strong>! Best of all, they never have to carry a heavy load or stay in a tiny shelter ever again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, all of this requires lots of money<\/strong>, and that\u2019s why they need the support of people like Xavi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Xavi<\/a>
Xavi said that he was able to keep smiling, by knowing how much the elephants would benefit from his efforts!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Make a difference!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Xavi walked 50km<\/strong> on his freedom walk \u2013 one tenth of the distance <\/strong>that rescuers sometimes have to travel to save vulnerable elephants. That makes sense, seeing as Xavi is one tenth of the size of an elephant!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t like walking<\/strong>\u201d, Xavi said, \u201cbut the elephants don\u2019t like walking hundreds of miles as slaves<\/strong>\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xavi has special educational needs, so he knows that the world can be a difficult place. Through all his fundraising, he wants nothing more than to help make life easier<\/strong> for these incredible elephants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Update!<\/strong><\/p>

Just two weeks after finishing his freedom walk, Xavi has started a new campaign to help the elephants! He’s designed a set of wristbands, and is selling them to raise more money for Wildlife SOS. Between this and his freedom walk, Xavi has raised over \u00a32700! <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Keep up the good work, Xavi!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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You can learn more about Raju<\/strong>, the rescued Indian elephant whose story <\/strong>inspired Xavi, here<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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