ELEPHANT HERD DEPARTS LONDON LIVERPOOL STREET STATION - DESTINATION NORWICH               THURSDAY 19 JUNE, 2008  10:15 AM LIVERPOOL ST. STATION FIRST CLASS LOUNGE PLATFORM 11 Today a herd of fibreglass elephant sculptures depart Liverpool Street Station en route to Norwich.  Their arrival will mark the imminent opening of the Go Elephants! exhibition that culminates in a mammoth 10 week public art exhibition in Norwich city centre.  Star attraction is Meiluami, an elephant calf that recently travelled to Kenya and back. Meiluami, which means 'always alert' in Maa, was named by children from Ol Moti school in Kenya and is now an official Born Free Ambassador. She will join over 50 of these unique elephant sculptures, which will be displayed throughout Norwich this summer. Virginia McKenna OBE, the founder of the Born Free Foundation who accompanied Meiluami on her epic journey said. "This little elephant symbolises the spirit of Africa. Her vivid colours, her delicate Maasai beading and brown earth skin conjure up the magic of the open plains". The herd are booked to travel on the 11.00am National Express train from Platform 9 and are due to arrive at Norwich city central railway station at 12.52pm. The Go Elephants! public art exhibition will open in Norwich city centre on 23rd June, and as a special incentive to see the elephant sculptures, National Express will be offering a '2 for 1' offer on all train tickets to Norwich for the duration of the exhibition. 'Meiluami' will be on display for the 10 week exhibition in the Cloisters of Norwich Cathedral. - Ends - To find out more information, please contact Born Free's Press Office: Shirley Galligan, PR Director T 0207 792 9668 M 07773848352Angelique Davies, PR Officer T 01403 240170 M 07747 441447 www.bornfree.org.uk  For images please visit Born Free’s FTP site ftp://87.86.161.66/ 

Notes to editors:8 About the National Express "2 for 1" Offer National Express will be offering 2 for 1 on advance train tickets (from £6 each way) from London to Norwich only, valid in the first 2 weeks of Go Elephants. Customers will need to purchase a National Express East Anglia advance ticket on the National Express website www.nationalexpress.com/eastanglia and then download a free ticket at www.nationalexpress.com/2for1travel using the code nrw2008.  The free voucher will act as a ticket when accompanied with a valid advance ticket purchased.     Meiluami's Story - The Journey Begins Kenya Airways fly Ele to Kenya Meiluami, the lifesize (unpainted) baby elephant sculpture, flew from Heathrow airport on 17th April 2008 with Virginia McKenna OBE, in a ground-breaking school arts project for Kenya.  The special elephant cargo, journeyed from Norwich City Centre to London Heathrow Airport, before being carefully loaded onto the Kenya Airways KQ 101 night flight, to Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Kenya.  On arrival, Virginia and the exquisite elephant sculpture, were met by the newly appointed Minister for Forestry and Wildlife in Kenya, Hon. Dr. Noah Wekesa, and showcased at a press conference, highlighting the need to protect Kenya's wild elephant population.  From here the elephant calf journeyed in a Land Rover convoy to Ol Moti School, on the edge of the world famous Amboseli National Park, (home to over 1,500 wild elephants) where it was received by the children and teachers in a colourful, traditional Maasai welcoming ceremony.  The elephant's decoration was designed and painted in Masaai colours by the children of Ol Moti and professional artist Jason Corder to represent the challenges faced by communities which share their land with elephants. Then Meiluami made the dusty journey back to Nairobi before departing on Kenya Airways once more bound for London. Virginia McKenna said, “The elephant is a fascinating animal that is a constant presence in many of these children's lives. Thanks to sponsorship from Land Rover and with the help of Kenya Airways, this is a wonderful way to ignite their artistic talents. This amazing project highlights the need for us to find ways for people and wild animals to live in harmony - the children of Ol Moti and Meiluami are showing us the way."  Dr. Wekesa stated that he was honoured to renew his friendship with Born Free once more in his new Ministerial capacity. The Minister had previously launched Born Free's highly acclaimed bushmeat film Mizoga in 2007. Speaking at the Press Conference in Nairobi he went on to say that "in Africa a wife could never forget the first house she builds with her new husband - Born Free is like this first home for me and will always have my affection and support."  The journey home Meiluami made its way back to Nairobi and was issued with a new passport in preparation for the flight back to the UK. Finally, before being escorted home to the UK by Born Free CEO, Will Travers, Meiluami was met by the Kenya Wildlife Service Director, Mr Julius Kipng'etich.  

About Born Free The Born Free Foundation is a dynamic international wildlife charity devoted to compassionate conservation and animal welfare. Born Free takes action worldwide to protect threatened species and stop individual animal suffering. Born Free believes wildlife belongs in the wild and works to phase out zoos. We rescue animals from lives of misery in tiny cages and give them lifetime care.  Born Free protects lions, elephants, tigers, gorillas, wolves, polar bears, dolphins, marine turtles and much more in their natural habitat, working with local communities to help people and wildlife live together without conflict. Our high-profile campaigns change public attitudes, persuade decision-makers and get results. Every year Born Free helps hundreds of thousands of animals worldwide. www.bornfree.org.uk

 About Ol Moti Ol Moti School's pupils are from four local Maasai tribes. The school is situated in the main wildlife corridor between Amboseli National Park, Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.  Land Rover & Born Free In 2002 the Born Free Foundation became one of Land Rover's Global Sponsorship Partners under its Fragile Earth policy. Together Land Rover and Born Free work to conserve wild animals and their habitats. This includes vehicle support in the UK, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa and Sri Lanka. Meiluami elephant will also be on display for a limited time in Norwich Cathedral and, as official sponsor, at the Land Rover dealership ‘Hunters’ of Norwich. Kenya Airways & Born Free Since March 2006 Kenya Airways have contributed airline flights for a number of events and Born Free animal rescues. They generously donated flights for Go Elephants! to fly Meiluami to Kenya for the children of Ol Moti to paint and get ‘wild in art’  Born Free Elephants Born Free has 3 elephant sculptures, which includes; 'Meiluami' the Kenyan elephant; 'Fundraiser Elephant' who’s role is to help raise vital funds needed for the elephant conservation project and 'Mini Elephant', who has been photographed with high profile celebrities, from TV's Golden Girl Anneka Rice to Jonty Hearnden, Antiques expert on the BBC's Cash in the Attic and TV Presenter, Angela Rippon.

 About Norwich Michael Nutt, Managing Director, Visit Norwich: "Get on the train to Norwich! Apart from wacky elephants you'll discover a buzzing city, which combines the zany with the finest of historic buildings, culture, shopping and nightlife. We are proud to trumpet Go Elephants, yet another great reason to visit our wonderful city."

 About Go Elephants!  Go Elephants! Norwich 2008 is being run as a partnership between the Forum Trust and Wild in Art. Go Elephants! is supported by The Mall, Norwich, and relies on the enthusiastic buy-in of all sectors of Norwich life: business, finance, law, media, artists, academia, retail, festivals, tourism and culture.  Go Elephants! is an event owned by Wild in Art and managed by Wild in Art in partnership with The Forum Trust. The Forum Trust manages The Forum, Millennium Building for the East of England. At its heart is the ethos of partnership which, through a programme of lively arts and education events, seeks to engage the community of Norfolk and Norwich. The Trust is delighted to be working with Wild in Art and a growing number of local and national partners to deliver what will be one of the most exciting events. Go Elephants! aims to showcase the artistic talent of the host city, and artists are invited from all artistic communities and beyond - both established and aspiring - whether they are painters, designers, sculptors, architects, photographers, poets etc. Each elephant has been decorated by local artists, celebrities, and community groups creating an outdoor art gallery showcasing the creativity of Norwich and the wider East Anglian region. The event runs from 23 June to 31 August. For further information, visit www.go-elephants.co.uk

  About CLIC Sargent    *CLIC Sargent is the UK's leading children's cancer charity, www.clicsargent.org.uk *Every day in the UK, 10 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer or leukaemia. CLIC Sargent acts as a lifeline keeping families together when the unimaginable happens. We provide clinical, psychosocial, emotional and financial care and support to them and their families.  *Note to Sub Editors: Please note that the name 'CLIC Sargent' should not be abbreviated to CLIC, and that the word 'CLIC' should always appear in capitals, as above.  

ELEPHANT HERD DEPARTS LONDON LIVERPOOL STREET STATION - DESTINATION NORWICH               THURSDAY 19 JUNE, 2008  10:15 AM LIVERPOOL ST. STATION FIRST CLASS LOUNGE PLATFORM 11 Today a herd of fibreglass elephant sculptures depart Liverpool Street Station en route to Norwich.  Their arrival will mark the imminent opening of the Go Elephants! exhibition that culminates in a mammoth 10 week public art exhibition in Norwich city centre.  Star attraction is Meiluami, an elephant calf that recently travelled to Kenya and back. Meiluami, which means 'always alert' in Maa, was named by children from Ol Moti school in Kenya and is now an official Born Free Ambassador. She will join over 50 of these unique elephant sculptures, which will be displayed throughout Norwich this summer. Virginia McKenna OBE, the founder of the Born Free Foundation who accompanied Meiluami on her epic journey said. "This little elephant symbolises the spirit of Africa. Her vivid colours, her delicate Maasai beading and brown earth skin conjure up the magic of the open plains". The herd are booked to travel on the 11.00am National Express train from Platform 9 and are due to arrive at Norwich city central railway station at 12.52pm. The Go Elephants! public art exhibition will open in Norwich city centre on 23rd June, and as a special incentive to see the elephant sculptures, National Express will be offering a '2 for 1' offer on all train tickets to Norwich for the duration of the exhibition. 'Meiluami' will be on display for the 10 week exhibition in the Cloisters of Norwich Cathedral. - Ends - To find out more information, please contact Born Free's Press Office: Shirley Galligan, PR Director T 0207 792 9668 M 07773848352Angelique Davies, PR Officer T 01403 240170 M 07747 441447 www.bornfree.org.uk  For images please visit Born Free’s FTP site ftp://87.86.161.66/ 

Notes to editors: About the National Express "2 for 1" Offer National Express will be offering 2 for 1 on advance train tickets (from £6 each way) from London to Norwich only, valid in the first 2 weeks of Go Elephants. Customers will need to purchase a National Express East Anglia advance ticket on the National Express website www.nationalexpress.com/eastanglia and then download a free ticket at www.nationalexpress.com/2for1travel using the code nrw2008.  The free voucher will act as a ticket when accompanied with a valid advance ticket purchased.     Meiluami's Story - The Journey Begins Kenya Airways fly Ele to Kenya Meiluami, the lifesize (unpainted) baby elephant sculpture, flew from Heathrow airport on 17th April 2008 with Virginia McKenna OBE, in a ground-breaking school arts project for Kenya.  The special elephant cargo, journeyed from Norwich City Centre to London Heathrow Airport, before being carefully loaded onto the Kenya Airways KQ 101 night flight, to Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Kenya.  On arrival, Virginia and the exquisite elephant sculpture, were met by the newly appointed Minister for Forestry and Wildlife in Kenya, Hon. Dr. Noah Wekesa, and showcased at a press conference, highlighting the need to protect Kenya's wild elephant population.  From here the elephant calf journeyed in a Land Rover convoy to Ol Moti School, on the edge of the world famous Amboseli National Park, (home to over 1,500 wild elephants) where it was received by the children and teachers in a colourful, traditional Maasai welcoming ceremony.  The elephant's decoration was designed and painted in Masaai colours by the children of Ol Moti and professional artist Jason Corder to represent the challenges faced by communities which share their land with elephants. Then Meiluami made the dusty journey back to Nairobi before departing on Kenya Airways once more bound for London. Virginia McKenna said, “The elephant is a fascinating animal that is a constant presence in many of these children's lives. Thanks to sponsorship from Land Rover and with the help of Kenya Airways, this is a wonderful way to ignite their artistic talents. This amazing project highlights the need for us to find ways for people and wild animals to live in harmony - the children of Ol Moti and Meiluami are showing us the way."  Dr. Wekesa stated that he was honoured to renew his friendship with Born Free once more in his new Ministerial capacity. The Minister had previously launched Born Free's highly acclaimed bushmeat film Mizoga in 2007. Speaking at the Press Conference in Nairobi he went on to say that "in Africa a wife could never forget the first house she builds with her new husband - Born Free is like this first home for me and will always have my affection and support."  The journey home Meiluami made its way back to Nairobi and was issued with a new passport in preparation for the flight back to the UK. Finally, before being escorted home to the UK by Born Free CEO, Will Travers, Meiluami was met by the Kenya Wildlife Service Director, Mr Julius Kipng'etich.  

About Born Free The Born Free Foundation is a dynamic international wildlife charity devoted to compassionate conservation and animal welfare. Born Free takes action worldwide to protect threatened species and stop individual animal suffering. Born Free believes wildlife belongs in the wild and works to phase out zoos. We rescue animals from lives of misery in tiny cages and give them lifetime care.  Born Free protects lions, elephants, tigers, gorillas, wolves, polar bears, dolphins, marine turtles and much more in their natural habitat, working with local communities to help people and wildlife live together without conflict. Our high-profile campaigns change public attitudes, persuade decision-makers and get results. Every year Born Free helps hundreds of thousands of animals worldwide. www.bornfree.org.uk

 About Ol Moti Ol Moti School's pupils are from four local Maasai tribes. The school is situated in the main wildlife corridor between Amboseli National Park, Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.  Land Rover & Born Free In 2002 the Born Free Foundation became one of Land Rover's Global Sponsorship Partners under its Fragile Earth policy. Together Land Rover and Born Free work to conserve wild animals and their habitats. This includes vehicle support in the UK, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa and Sri Lanka. Meiluami elephant will also be on display for a limited time in Norwich Cathedral and, as official sponsor, at the Land Rover dealership ‘Hunters’ of Norwich. Kenya Airways & Born Free Since March 2006 Kenya Airways have contributed airline flights for a number of events and Born Free animal rescues. They generously donated flights for Go Elephants! to fly Meiluami to Kenya for the children of Ol Moti to paint and get ‘wild in art’  Born Free Elephants Born Free has 3 elephant sculptures, which includes; 'Meiluami' the Kenyan elephant; 'Fundraiser Elephant' who’s role is to help raise vital funds needed for the elephant conservation project and 'Mini Elephant', who has been photographed with high profile celebrities, from TV's Golden Girl Anneka Rice to Jonty Hearnden, Antiques expert on the BBC's Cash in the Attic and TV Presenter, Angela Rippon.

 About Norwich Michael Nutt, Managing Director, Visit Norwich: "Get on the train to Norwich! Apart from wacky elephants you'll discover a buzzing city, which combines the zany with the finest of historic buildings, culture, shopping and nightlife. We are proud to trumpet Go Elephants, yet another great reason to visit our wonderful city." 

About Go Elephants!  Go Elephants! Norwich 2008 is being run as a partnership between the Forum Trust and Wild in Art. Go Elephants! is supported by The Mall, Norwich, and relies on the enthusiastic buy-in of all sectors of Norwich life: business, finance, law, media, artists, academia, retail, festivals, tourism and culture.  Go Elephants! is an event owned by Wild in Art and managed by Wild in Art in partnership with The Forum Trust. The Forum Trust manages The Forum, Millennium Building for the East of England. At its heart is the ethos of partnership which, through a programme of lively arts and education events, seeks to engage the community of Norfolk and Norwich. The Trust is delighted to be working with Wild in Art and a growing number of local and national partners to deliver what will be one of the most exciting events. Go Elephants! aims to showcase the artistic talent of the host city, and artists are invited from all artistic communities and beyond - both established and aspiring - whether they are painters, designers, sculptors, architects, photographers, poets etc. Each elephant has been decorated by local artists, celebrities, and community groups creating an outdoor art gallery showcasing the creativity of Norwich and the wider East Anglian region. The event runs from 23 June to 31 August. For further information, visit www.go-elephants.co.uk  

 About CLIC Sargent    *CLIC Sargent is the UK's leading children's cancer charity, www.clicsargent.org.uk *Every day in the UK, 10 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer or leukaemia. CLIC Sargent acts as a lifeline keeping families together when the unimaginable happens. We provide clinical, psychosocial, emotional and financial care and support to them and their families.  *Note to Sub Editors: Please note that the name 'CLIC Sargent' should not be abbreviated to CLIC, and that the word 'CLIC' should always appear in capitals, as above.