Adorable handmade felted wool Elephant made by local craftspeople to support Spectacled Bear Conservation programs in northern Peru. They even have a loop so you can hang them as Christmas decorations, make a mobile, add to your key ring or use as a cute mobile phone tag. They are about 10 cms high.

How gorgeous are these felted woollen toy animals which are not only super cute but directly support local conservation programs and local craftspeople. We are the only Australian retailer of these critters.

Handmade by local women in the areas of Peru where the endangered Spectacled Bears are being protected by our friends at Spectacled Bear Conservation.

Spectacled Bear Conservation is a non profit organization, and profits from the sale of products directly goes into conservation efforts of the Spectacled Bear and the ecosystem it lives in. The making of the products directly benefits women and communities living within Spectacled Bear habitat.

Peru’s north-western equatorial dry forest ecosystem is unique for Spectacled Bears, and is among the most endangered lowland tropical ecosystems. Habitat loss, agricultural practices, and hunting, are threatening the bears survival.

SBC programs train and employ local artisans, para-biologists and citizen scientists to work with the communities to study, educate, and protect bears. In 2011, research findings led to the creation of a protected area.

Alternative livelihood programs help to build capacity for sustainable income, improve individual health, attitude, and behavior towards bears and their ecosystem. Training local para-biologists and citizen scientists has been an important component of this program. However, the wool needle felting program has also allowed SBC to create sustainable income for local women.

The Thin Green Line Foundation invests all proceeds from each piece of merchandise into its operations to assist and support rangers around the world.