Celebrate Mother's Day and Save Asian Elephants: Join Our Collaboration for a Worthy Cause
Mother's Day is a special occasion to honor the mother figures in our lives and show them our love and appreciation. This year, you have the opportunity to go beyond traditional gifts and make a meaningful impact by participating in our collaboration with the Voice of Asian Elephant Society (VFAES). With every new purchase or direct donation, you'll be contributing to the protection and conservation of Asian elephants in India.
Why PBM is Collaborating with VFAES?
At PBM, we are driven by the belief that our actions can make a real difference. During the VFAES gala in San Diego in October 2022, our founders, Sonya Gomez and Angela Stanger, had the privilege of engaging in profound discussions about the crucial importance of protecting elephants. Gomez reflected on their experience, stating, "We were introduced to the VFAES and became aware of their direct impact on saving Elephas Indicus, a species of Asian elephants. We also had the honor of meeting Sangita, an inspiring individual dedicated to the cause." Inspired by these encounters, Sonya, Angela, and VFAES Board of Director, Kathleen Kastner Mortenson, were motivated to forge a powerful partnership. Stanger emphasizes, "By supporting this movement, we can actively contribute to something greater and create a truly positive change."
Five Interesting Facts about Asian Elephant Motherhood:
Matriarchal Society: Asian elephants thrive in complex social structures. Motherhood plays a crucial role within their communities, where female elephants form tight-knit family groups led by a matriarch. The matriarch's wisdom and guidance provide support not only to mothers but also to their young offspring.
Pregnancy Length: Elephas indicus, or the Asian elephant, boasts one of the longest pregnancy durations among land mammals. Their gestation period spans an average of 18 to 22 months. This extended period allows for the proper development and growth of the calf before birth.
Extended Nursing Period: Asian elephants exhibit one of the longest nursing periods among mammals. Calves rely on their mother's milk as their primary source of nutrition for up to two years or more. This nurturing bond fosters the transmission of crucial survival skills and strengthens the connection between mother and calf.
Cooperative Care: Asian elephants demonstrate remarkable cooperative care behaviors. Close relatives, such as sisters or aunts, actively participate in caring for the young. These "allomothers" play a vital role in protecting and educating the calves, contributing to their overall well-being.
Conservation Status: Asian elephants are classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Their population has been declining due to habitat loss, poaching, and conflicts with human activities. By supporting VFAES, you'll be directly contributing to the conservation of these majestic creatures and their habitats.
Make a Difference and Enjoy Delicious Meals:
If you or a loved one resides in San Diego, purchasing a gift certificate from PBM for the mother figures in your life is an excellent way to treat them to nutritious and delicious homemade meals for the week. Additionally, you can enjoy the convenience of regular meal deliveries, saving time and avoiding grocery store hassles. With PBM, cooking becomes a choice rather than a chore, giving you more precious time to engage in enjoyable activities, like soaking up the sun at the beach.
For those residing outside San Diego, you can still contribute by donating directly to VFAES in your beloved mother's or your own name. Your generosity will support their campaign to help the beleaguered elephants of India. No matter where you are, your involvement is a win-win situation!
